Formula 1 will revise its driving standards guidelines for the 2025 season, with a focus on addressing controversial defensive moves like Max Verstappen’s “divebomb” manoeuvre, according to George Russell.
Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), revealed that the proposed updates follow concerns raised by several drivers regarding how the FIA stewards have handled certain incidents this season. A key point of contention has been the penalty handed to Lando Norris for overtaking Verstappen off the track during the US Grand Prix in Austin. Norris was forced wide by Verstappen, a situation that prompted questions about how such scenarios should be judged in the future.
Since the start of the 2022 season, the FIA has used a set of “driving standards guidelines” to help stewards assess on-track incidents. These guidelines offer a general framework for decisions, but Verstappen has faced criticism for his defensive strategy, often referred to as the “divebomb.” This tactic involves Verstappen diving down the inside of a corner to maintain position, often forcing rivals to give up space at corner exits.
Following meetings between drivers and FIA stewards, Russell confirmed that the 2025 rule revisions will specifically target this defensive manoeuvre. Russell explained that the guidelines didn’t necessarily mention anything about Max’s manoeuvre. “If you divebomb and go off the track, that is effectively out of control. So everybody’s in agreement with [changing] these things.”
Russell added that the revisions wouldn’t require a complete overhaul of the rulebook but would focus on clarifying certain situations. One such adjustment will involve ensuring drivers leave a car’s width from apex to exit when overtaking on the inside—something that led to Russell receiving a penalty in Austin.
“We just needed to remove the odd sentence,” Russell noted, “and I think that’s been positive.”
The discussion follows the GPDA’s recent open letter to the FIA calling for greater transparency, particularly regarding the organisation’s decision-making process. In response, the FIA made changes, including replacing F1’s race director and removing regular steward Tim Mayer.
Lewis Hamilton, Russell’s teammate at Mercedes, also expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the meetings with the stewards. “It’s the first time we’ve really sat down and had a real clear, open discussion,” Hamilton said. “Every overtake and every scenario is so different. We’re working on the process for next year, and we welcome having more conversations with them moving forward.”
While no changes will take place before the end of this season, the drivers are optimistic that the revisions will improve consistency and fairness in decision-making when the new guidelines come into effect in 2025.
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