What are the major changes FIA is planning to make to the F1 right of review rule? Analyzing all the details

In recent years, the FIA has imposed numerous regulations aimed at intensifying the competition in Formula One. The strict nature of these rules is not only to ensure safety but also to solidify the commitment to uphold the integrity of the sport.

Significantly, the FIA has recently undertaken noteworthy adjustments to the F1 right to review rules, adding another layer of complexity to the game.

What changes is FIA planning to make to the F1 right of review rule?

The timeframe for asking for a review will be shortened from the existing 14 days to just four days, which is equivalent to 96 hours. Additionally, a fee will be imposed, opposing the current absence of charges. The FIA now plans to modify both the International Sporting Code and its internal judicial regulations by 2024, pending approval for the Annual General Assembly scheduled for December. These changes will apply to all FIA competitors, not just F1.

Initially, there was no time limit for a right-of-review request, allowing the potential challenge of race results months after the race. However, this was subsequently reduced to a 14-day limit, a restriction that Haas carefully utilized while assembling evidence.

The plan is to change that to 96 hours from the competition’s end, although in exceptional situations, the stewards will be able to extend the deadline to 120 hours.

An associated fee, equivalent to the current appeal cost of €6,000 in the case of F1, will be introduced. This fee will only be funded if the right of review is upheld by the stewards.

Furthermore, changes to the appeal system have also been made. Currently, teams can issue a notice of intention to appeal, followed by 96 hours to decide whether to proceed with the appeal or not.

However, the issue that lies in the current system is that a notice of intention to appeal can suspend a mandatory penalty. Thus, from now on, even if the notice is withdrawn, the case will be forwarded to the International Court of Appeal. In such situations, the team may incur a penalty if it is found out that they secured an advantage through the process.

Which teams used the right-of-review rule this F1 season?

This season saw certain teams such as Aston Martin (Saudi Arabian GP), Ferrari (Australian GP) and McLaren (Austrian GP), use the right-to-review rule.

Among all of these teams, only Aston Martin was successful, as Fernando Alonso dodged a penalty. Alonso also cleared the rumours of him retiring this season.

What are your opinions on the new changes made to the rule by the FIA? Do let us know in the comment section below.