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Charles Leclerc crashes during qualifying for the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix but retained pole, a decision that wouldn't have stood with new FIA ruling

The FIA make a qualifying red flag rule tweak for 2024

A surprise red flag during a qualifying session can negatively impact more than just one driver. To offset this issue, the FIA has re-worded Article 33.5 in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 sporting regulations

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The FIA promise to delete qualifying lap times for those that cause red flags in F2 and F3 in 2024

Michael Schumacher brought out the yellow flags after stopping his car on purpose during the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session
Michael Schumacher brought out the yellow flags after stopping his car on purpose during the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session. (Image Credit: formula1.com)

Since the start of the winter break, it seems like the FIA is constantly making waves in the media. From the potential return of former Race Director Michael Masi to the investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff, the 2023 winter break has been nothing short of explosive so far.

But the news doesn’t stop there. The FIA has revealed amendments to the Formula 2 and Formula 3 sporting regulations. The minor change relates to the consequences of red flags in qualifying sessions, with drivers set to be penalised.

The rule change relates to Article 33.5, which now reads as follows:

“Any driver who in the opinion of the Stewards is the sole cause of the issuance of a Red Flag during the qualifying practice session will not be permitted to take any further part in the session and their fastest lap time during the session may be deleted.”

Both the Formula 2 and Formula 3 2024 race calendars have been released. The former series is set to head to Qatar for the first time next season, while both racing categories are set to run around Monaco and Spa. Both of the latter tracks are notoriously difficult for even the most seasoned drivers. Could we see a host of deleted lap times in 2024?

Will the new ruling come to Formula One?

In F1, the topic of penalising those who cause red flags in qualifying has been debated for years. Every season, the subject resurfaces around the Monaco Grand Prix. The circuit has been the host of many controversial moments in recent years, from Michael Schumacher parking at Rascasse in 2006 to whether Sergio Perez purposefully crashed in 2022. And you can’t forget Charles Leclerc’s heart breaking crash in 2021 when he was on for pole position but failed to start the race.

The new qualifying ruling kicks off next season in the junior categories. But could we see the rule being implemented in Formula One in the not-too-distant future?

Feature Image Credit: @F1 on X

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