The FIA has updated its sporting regulations to include changes relating to grid penalties during sprint race weekends. Under the previous version of the regulations, time penalties picked up during the sprint were made redundant in the event of a driver retiring. This was the case earlier this season in China when Fernando Alonso was given a 10-second time penalty following contact with Carlos Sainz. Alonso retired from the race following the contact, voiding his penalty. However, going forward, such a punishment will translate into a grid drop for the grand prix as outlined by the renewed version of the regulations. Article 54.3 b) of the rules now states that if a driver “is unable to serve the penalty due to being unclassified in the sprint session or the race.. or due to retirement from the sprint session or the race... the stewards may impose a grid place penalty on the driver at their next race.”
Red flag stoppage rule change
A further rule change has also been implemented following confusion involving Sainz in China. The Ferrari driver spun during qualifying and caused a red flag, prompting many to assume he was not allowed to take further part in the session. However, Sainz returned to the pit lane and was able to continue in qualifying having not received outside assistance. Aston Martin protested Sainz's ability to continue, which was dismissed by the stewards. The situation has now received clarity in the updated regulations. Article 39.6 now reads: "Any driver whose car stops in any area other than the pitlane during the qualifying session or the sprint qualifying session and receives physical assistance will not be permitted to take any further part in that session."
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