A MAJOR new F1 rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
The FIA sporting regulations have been reworked after a confusing incident involving Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman at the Australian GP.
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Race control now have the power to close the pit-exit when the safety car train is passing by to block a back-marker from rejoining the leading mix.
This comes after Bearman merged in front of Verstappen after pitting during a safety car in Melbourne.
Verstappen, 27, was surprised to see Bearman’s Haas emerge from the pits immediately in front of him during a safety car period on lap 41.
Bearman, 19, had been allowed to un-lap himself moments earlier, then came into the pits, which dropped him back behind the safety car.
This was a cause for concern at Red Bull, as it left Verstappen with a lapped car between him and the leading McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris later winning the season opener.
Red Bull mistakenly believed Bearman would remain there until the restart.
Verstappen asked his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “So this car is now staying here, or what?”
Lambiase told him: “That’s correct. He’ll have to let you go immediately [after the restart].”
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But Bearman was allowed to un-lap himself again, which allowed Verstappen to restart the race with no lapped cars in front of him.
The FIA has changed its rules in Article 55.14 to guard against a repeat of this situation.
Race director Rui Marques has the power to close the pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves during a Safety Car period.
The rule now states: “Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car, these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed.
“Without overtaking and they must make every effort to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.
“The pit lane exit may be closed when the safety car and line of cars behind it are approaching and passing the pit lane exit.”
Ironically, Verstappen benefited from the old rule when he was able to pit and start alongside race leader Lewis Hamilton in the most controversial title deciding finale ever in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Reigning world champ Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day in Miami due to the pending birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, with the due date two days after the race in Florida.
The Red Bull star is still expected to race in Miami this weekend – which will host the second sprint session of the season.
F1 2025
THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.
A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.
The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.
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