The 2025 Formula 1 season officially kicked off on March 16, 2025, with the Australian Grand Prix, and it brought with it a host of significant rule changes. While the 2026 season is poised for what might be the most extensive shakeup of the ruleset since the sport's recent history, the current season sees minor adjustments aimed at enhancing driver safety and preserving competitive integrity.
This year’s alterations come on the heels of debates concerning flexible aerodynamic components—specifically the controversial "flexiwing" issues observed last season. Teams struggled with the regulations governing the flexibility of their front and rear wings, leading to heightened scrutiny by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), the sport's regulatory body.
New regulations were put in place for both the front and rear wings. Starting from the first race, the rear wing is now subject to stricter flexibility tests, which took effect with the start of the Australian Grand Prix. According to the new rules, the main plate of the rear wing can bend no more than six millimeters under load, and the upper flap may only bend up to seven millimeters when subjected to horizontal force. The rear edge of the rear wing is limited to three millimeters of deformation, and the gap between wing elements was adjusted from 10-15 millimeters down to 9.4-13 millimeters, with the maximum opening under DRS (Drag Reduction System) remaining at 85 millimeters.
The FIA has implemented these regulations to discourage teams from exploiting flexible components for aerodynamic gain. Article 3.10.10 of the Technical Regulations now stipulates the transition time between two DRS positions must be less than 400 millimeters, standardizing wing behavior and ensuring fair competition on the track. Further tightening of these rules is expected before the upcoming race in China on March 23, 2025.
Adaptations to the front wing will not come until the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1, 2025. The maximum vertical flexibility will reduce from 15 to ten millimeters at 1,000 Newton force, and the previous provision allowing rear edges of wing elements to flex up to five millimeters will be cut to three millimeters.
Another substantial change involves driver weight, which has increased by two kilograms to 82 kilograms, leading to the minimum weight of a Formula 1 car reaching 800 kilograms. This adjustment means any ballast used to meet this requirement must contain materials with 7,500 kg/m³ density instead of the previous 8,000 kg/m³ threshold. If the FIA issues a "heat warning"—defined as average ambient temperature exceeding 31 degrees Celsius—the minimum weight of the car will automatically increase by five kilograms to accommodate additional cooling systems.
The introduction of driver cooling systems—originated from the alarming health incidents during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix where yet unidentified drivers required medical attention due to extreme heat—adds another layer of complexity to the racing regulations. The system incorporates fireproof undershirts and hoses spanning 48 meters through which coolants will flow. This measure is not mandatory for this season but will become compulsory with the start of 2026 if the FIA deems temperatures dangerously high.
Team regulations also saw substantial changes. The long-standing point awarded for the fastest lap—a change introduced to encourage risk-taking during races—has been scrapped. This decision came after concerns arose surrounding tactical maneuvers allowing drivers to derive unfair advantages late in races. A special rule for the Monaco Grand Prix will require teams to complete two pit stops during dry conditions, with failure to comply leading to a hefty 30-second time penalty.
Teams will face stricter limitations on conducting tests with older vehicle models. They are now restricted to nominating only one car for such sessions and cannot test within 60 days at current racetrack locations. Teams are capped at just 1,000 km over four test days, which top drivers like Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari have already hit the limit of before the season even began.
Additional provisions aim to improve safety during races, particularly concerning vehicles with significant damage. Should the race director determine any car is worth stopping due to severe structural damage—like the alarming situation seen with Sergio Pérez during the Canada race last season—the driver will be mandated to pull off the track as soon as possible. This highlights the FIA’s commitment to maintaining safety standards on the grid.
Lastly, the FIA has removed the restrictions on the number of gearboxes allowed per season, asserting reliability improvements made this regulation unnecessary. The governing body believes current gearbox technology is sufficiently advanced to handle these upgrades without compromising race integrity.
With so much to look forward to, the rest of the 2025 season promises to test both the resilience of teams and the fortitude of drivers. With these changes implemented, fans can expect a thrilling season defined by both competition and innovation, as teams continue to navigate the new interpretations of the rules
