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Last month we answered your top 7 F2 questions, and this month we’re continuing our F2 primer with a deep-dive into the most interesting F2 regulations in 2024, per the latest version of the Sporting Regulations document.
As industry-leading motorsport insurance experts we want to connect our readers with the best motorsport content, and anything that shines a brighter light on this high octane stepping stone to the F1 big leagues is good with us!
1. Gender-Neutral Language in Regulations
Per racefans, F2 and F3 regulations have adopted gender-neutral pronouns in place of previously masculine language. This is a step towards equality in the sport, and removes ambiguity around whether rules apply only to male competitors.
This move takes place alongside efforts by the FIA to increase opportunities for female drivers to participate in the sports for which it is responsible.
2. New Chassis and Engine
While not a regulation in the Sporting Regulations document, the new F2 2024 chassis from Dallara gets honourable mention here. This new chassis is designed to be more accessible for drivers, and adheres to updated specifications around braking, steering effort, ergonomics, and more.
3. Penalties for Drivers Who Cause Red Flags
To prevent drivers from benefiting from deliberately causing red flags in qualifying sessions, F2 and F3 will have their fastest lap time deleted and be banned from taking further part per regulation 33.5.
This will only apply when a driver is considered by the stewards to be “the sole cause” of a red flag being issued. So far the rule is not being adopted in F1, despite the majority of incidents giving rise to a demand for such a rule occurring in that sport.
4. Removal of the Ability to Appeal Against Deletion of Lap Times
Section 39.3 outlines the various penalties that stewards may levy on a driver who is involved in an incident. As well as the new gender-neutral language, you can see the addition of the line below clause h) that specifies teams will not have an option to appeal if their driver is in receipt of 1 or more of these penalties.
5. Increased Cost for Appeal
The cost to make an appeal has increased to €6000, as a way to disincentivise appeals being made and to reduce advantages held by teams with more funding to make appeals.
6. A New Sanction for Reprimanded Drivers
Section 18.2 now stipulates that drivers in receipt of 5 reprimands in the same championship will receive a 5 grid place penalty for their next race. This only applies if 4+ of the reprimands were given as a result for a driving infringement.
This regulation is designed to improve discipline and increase fairness of competition by applying stricter penalties for drivers who break the rules.
7. Regulations Refer to ‘Competitions’ Rather Than ‘Events’
In a slightly less exciting follow-on to #1, events will be referred to as competitions from here on out. A competition is defined in section 2.2 as “any competition entered into the FIA Formula 2 Championship Calendar.”
8. No More Than Two Sets of Wet-Weather Tyres
Section 24.1, clause f, now states that “no more than two-sets of wet-weather tyres may be mounted per car at any time,” with a third set only allowed to be mounted after a qualifying practice session and once a used set has been returned to the supplier.
This ensures that teams have an equal opportunity to manage wet conditions, removing potential advantage from teams with more funding.
9. No More Than Two Reconnaissance Laps Before A Race
The new regulations place a cap on the number of reconnaissance laps a driver is allowed to make before each race. This, again, aims to improve fairness by equalising the opportunity drivers have to build their knowledge of the course before a race begins.
10. Cars Must Be Secured with Seals Within 5 Hours of Qualifying Practice
To ensure that no team has unfair advantage in making last-minute changes, regulation 33.6 stipulates that all cars must be covered and ready for FIA seals to be applied within a maximum of 5 hours from the end of a Qualifying practice.
Any other questions?
As you can see, F2 is an ever-evolving discipline, with new rules designed to make the sport safer, fairer, and more inclusive. It’s a direction of movement we can definitely get behind, and while the language is sometimes technical, we enjoy familiarising ourselves with the updated regulations each season.
If you have any questions about this season’s changes, get in touch with our team. We’re also happy to answer queries about what we do, and how we can help you.