WMSC announce tweaks to F1 sporting regulations

Formula 1's sporting regulations have undergone minor changes following the final meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) this year.

The meeting was held in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday and was chaired by FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid.

Among the matters discussed relating to F1, the council discussed next year's calendar which is scheduled to have a record-breaking 24 events and highlighted that the health and welfare of all travelling personnel are key considerations for the future.

Regarding alterations to the rules, the WMSC confirmed changes to the technical regulations to allow for a cooling 'scoop' to be fitted in extreme hot conditions.

Drivers were subjected to high temperatures during the Qatar Grand Prix earlier this year with some requiring medical attention after the chequered flag.

Elsewhere, it asserted that there would be a “limitation of the number and mass of certain metallic components in the floor that have been identified as a safety risk should they become dislodged from a car.”

Team members will revert to 40 minutes to spend on the grid prior to a Grand Prix, rather than 50 as has been the case amid the trial of pre-race driver presentations.

The WMSC also tied up a loophole regarding cars starting a race from the pit lane.

It was noted by the FIA that “there currently are no regulations in place to describe the procedure surrounding personnel and equipment related to cars starting from pit lane”.

In a bid to improve safety measures, it is now mandatory for teams to “remove all personnel and equipment from the fast lane 90 seconds after the start of the formation lap”.

Finally, there were minor tweaks made to the 2026 regulations that cover the 2026 season when new regulations come into play.