FIA tweaks rules after McLaren ‘mini DRS’ row and defines new ‘heat hazard’ regulations · RaceFans

The FIA has made changes to the regulations governing Formula 1 Drag Reduction Systems following the row over McLaren’s so-called ‘mini DRS’ earlier this year.

At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix footage emerged showing McLaren’s rear wing element deforming as the car reached top speed when the car did not have DRS activated. This potentially allowed the team to achieve higher top speeds. McLaren and other teams altered their wings after the race following discussions with the FIA.

The sport’s governing body has now made two changes to its technical regulations for 2025. One change requires the DRS flap to comply with the same restrictions on bodywork deformation when the system is not in its deployed state.

“With the exception of the driver adjustable bodywork, when in the state of deployment… all aerodynamic components or bodywork influencing the car’s aerodynamic performance must be rigidly secured and immobile with respect to their frame of reference defined in Article 3.3,” the updated rule now reads.

A further clause has been added to define a minimum gap between the rear wing elements when DRS is not activated. “At all points along the span, the rear wing profiles (as defined under article 3.10.1) must have a minimum gap of between 9.4mm and 13mm,” it states. “This will apply when the DRS is not in the state of deployment (as defined under Article 3.10.10) and will be measured with a spherical gauge.”

Another new addition to the regulations defines how teams must change their cars if the race director indicates there is a risk to driver safety due to heat levels. When this happens teams must fit extra aids to cool their drivers, and the minimum weight limit will rise by 5kg to 805kg to allow for it.

The new addition to the Sporting Regulation lays down how the procedure will work: “If the Official Weather Service predicts that the Heat Index will be greater than 30.5C at some time during the sprint [race] or the race at a competition, or at the sole discretion of the race director, a Heat Hazard may be declared twenty four (24) hours prior to the scheduled start of the competition,” it states. “Once a Heat Hazard is declared it shall remain in force for the Competition. All competitors will be notified via the official messaging system.

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“Once a Heat Hazard is declared: (a) The additional items to aid driver cooling must be fitted, including driver cooling systems, as described under Article 14.6 of the Technical Regulations. (b) In accordance with Articles 4.1 and 4.7 of the Technical Regulations the Heat Hazard Mass Increase shall apply.”

Other minor changes to the rules for 2025 define the use of mule cars for post-season testing of the new tyre sizes for the year after and give teams greater freedom to maintain their cars’ energy stores during factor shutdowns.