New FIA rule introduces stricter measures for double yellow flags at Monaco Grand Prix

The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix this weekend will witness a significant change as the FIA implements a new regulation governing double yellow flags.

As per the updated rule, drivers must adhere to a predetermined speed limit when encountering areas where these flags are displayed.

In the past, competitors were instructed to "slow down, not overtake and be prepared to stop" under such circumstances. However, recent incidents, notably Max Verstappen's qualifying mishap at the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix, have exposed flaws in the existing system, leading to grid penalties.

Under the revised regulation, both the Virtual Safety Car and full Safety Car delta times will be reset for drivers. This means that drivers will now be compelled to reduce their speed even further, thereby bolstering safety during race events.

Olivier Hulot, the head of F1 electronics at FIA, shed light on the new measures, stating, "Under a Virtual Safety Car, when a driver enters the double yellow, what he sees on the dashboard is zero, so the delta time resets, and he then has to drive below the new speed limit. They again get a positive or negative delta relative to that speed limit. So it's the same principle as before, except that it's specific to a double yellow zone."

To ensure drivers are aware of the "slow zone," warnings will be displayed on their steering wheel dashboard and communicated via radio tones.

"We have already introduced a warning system for yellow and double yellow," explained Hulot. "The driver receives a warning in the marshalling sector prior to encountering the yellow or double yellow. This system has proven successful and will support the new regulations."

In the event of a Virtual Safety Car, an incident might be resolved before certain drivers approach the affected area. Consequently, these drivers may not need to reduce their speed as significantly as those who have already passed through the zone. This disparity could lead to variations in time gaps once green flag racing resumes.

"While there might be a loss of performance relative to others-if a car goes through a double yellow but not another, and that car has to slow down-it is losing time relative to rivals," acknowledged Hulot. "However, for the FIA, safety is paramount, and when there is a hazard on the track or marshals present, we must minimize the risks no matter what."

The FIA's implementation of stricter guidelines for double yellow flags aims to enhance safety on the race track. By resetting delta times and imposing lower speed limits, drivers will be compelled to exercise greater caution during these hazardous situations.

The warnings on the steering wheel and via radio will serve as reminders for drivers to slow down appropriately. Despite potential performance discrepancies between drivers, the FIA remains steadfast in prioritizing safety above all else.