F1 News
FIA provides new Formula 1 regulations with gender-neutral language
- Corwin Kunst
After discussing several topics during Wednesday's Formula One commission meeting in Geneva, the FIA confirmed some details. These include changes to how the 2026 sporting regulations are worded, including gender-neutral language. Plans for a rookie sprint race in F1 will be discussed next year, with the aim of introducing them for the 2026 season.
The FIA reports that the drafting of the regulations for 2026 has progressed significantly. "Section A, designed to establish a cohesive framework for all subsequent sections, is expected to be presented at the first World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting in 2025." The sporting regulations will include gender-neutral language, highlighting the FIA's commitment to inclusivity.
Will there be a rookie sprint race in F1?
The rookie sprint race initiative was also revisited. This is a way of building on the mandatory rookie practice sessions and giving them a race. There are not many testing opportunities at the moment. However, the meeting did not provide definite conclusions. The plan will be discussed further in 2025 with the aim of actually making it happen in 2026.
The Formula 1 Commission has further approved some technical changes for the 2025 season, including the introduction of a cooling kit for drivers when temperatures are very hot and there is a risk of overheating. That decision was taken after encouraging test results.
The Commission has confirmed a revised protocol for closing up the grid when a team withdraws a car. This stems from the confusion that arose in Brazil. Alexander Albon did not start the race due to an earlier crash, but for a while, it was questionable whether the drivers who had qualified behind him - including Max Verstappen - would move up or not. That did not happen and it has now been agreed to revise the current protocol.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton