Following the confusion that marred the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, the FIA intends to modify the rules governing points scoring for shortened Formula One races. After the Belgian Grand Prix in 2021, which was reduced to just two and a half laps of “racing” behind the safety car, the teams decided on the rules for shorter races.
According to the rules, the winner will receive six points for races with two laps but less than 25% race distance; whereas winners of races that ran between 25% and 50% would receive 13 points. The winner would receive 19 points for races that lasted longer than 50% and up to 75%. Full points would be awarded for anything higher than 75%.
Three hours after the start of the F1 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen crossed the finish line. This indicated that the race had not been stopped but rather finished. Because of this, even though just 28 laps were completed, the new regulations did not apply, and Verstappen received all the points.
Verstappen won the F1 World Championship after building an insurmountable lead, with Charles Leclerc receiving a five-second penalty and dropping to third position.
Last year’s FIA prize gala in Italy had an unpleasant conversation between President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Red Bull CEO Christian Horner due to the miscommunication during the Japanese Grand Prix.
New regulations for abbreviated races are being written by F1 sports director Steve Nielsen.
The FIA insists that it done nothing illegal despite the uncertainty. Ben Sulayem revealed to Motorsports.com that Steve, the sporting director, will now enhance it. returning to Japan First of all, if you take a look, we have a thorough report [on the events that occurred] before the following race. Never before had it been done. We have it on the FIA website.
The FIA also made clear that the teams were in charge of selecting and approving the points system and that the FIA’s only responsibility was to put it into place. Who made that decision, asked Ben Sulayem? the groups. Who gave the go-ahead? the groups. We only had to put them into action. And who is accountable? Us. Honestly. Where is the justice? Inform me. This aggravates me.
The FIA also made clear that the teams were in charge of selecting and approving the points system and that the FIA’s only responsibility was to put it into place. Ben Sulayem declared: “whoever did that? the groups. Who gave the go-ahead? the groups. We only had to put them into action. And who is accountable? Us. Honestly. Where is the justice? Inform me. This aggravates me.”
The FIA’s decision to alter the rules for 2023 is intended to prevent future uncertainty of this nature and to guarantee an equitable allocation of points. The initiative to change the rule will be spearheaded by Steve Nielsen, the new F1 sporting director.