F1 Throws Racing Rule Book Out the Window After That Verstappen-Bearman Mess

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 6 mins read 44 Views

God. I've been covering F1 for years and just when you think you've seen it all, the FIA goes and changes teh rules again. My editor texted me at 6AM this morning: "They're actually fixing something that makes sense for once!" I nearly spilled my coffee.

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What the Hell Happened in Melbourne, Anyway?

So here's the deal. The FIA has completely reworked their sporting regulations before Miami after that utterly confusing situation between Max Verstappen and rookie Ollie Bearman in Australia. If you missed it (lucky you), it was one of those bizarre safety car moments that makes casual fans change the channel and die-hards scream at their TVs.

Race control now has the power to close the pit-exit when the safety car train passes by. Basically stopping back-markers from rejoining and mucking up the leading pack.

I was actually at Melbourne that weekend. Paid $340 for a seat with a decent view only to watch everyone get confused about who should be where. Classic F1.

The Bearman Situation That Started It All

Back in Melbourne, 19-year-old Bearman's Haas popped out of the pits directly in front of Verstappen during a safety car period around lap 41. Verstappen (who turns 27 this year and is expecting his first kid any minute now) was completely caught off guard.

What happened was Bearman had un-lapped himself, then pitted, which dropped him behind the safety car. This left Verstappen with a lapped car between him and the McLarens up front.

Red Bull thought Bearman would stay there until the restart. Wrong.

Communication Breakdown

You could hear the confusion in real time. Verstappen asked his race engineer Lambiase: "So this car is now staying here, or what?"

Lambiase confidently replied: "That's correct. He'll have to let you go immediately [after the restart]."

Except... that's not what happened. Bearman was allowed to un-lap himself again, which meant Verstappen restarted with clear track ahead.

Listen. I've been watching F1 since 2003 and even I couldn't figure out what was happening in the moment.

The Fine Print That Changes Everything

Article 55.14 now gives race director Rui Marques the authority to close pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves during Safety Car periods.

The rule 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."

Translation for normal humans: No more sneaky pit stops during safety car confusion that mess with race order.

The Irony Is Too Much

Here's where it gets rich. Verstappen actually BENEFITED from the old rule back in 2021 in that Abu Dhabi finale against Hamilton that I'm still not over. You know, the one where Masi made up the rules as he went along and handed Max his first championship.

I bet Lewis is somewhere right now looking at this rule change like... "Three years too late, guys."

Baby Watch in Miami

On a completely different note, Verstappen skipped Thursday's media day in Miami because his girlfriend Kelly Piquet is about to give birth to their first child. The due date is apparently just two days after the race in Florida.

Can you imagine winning a Grand Prix adn then immediately hopping on a private jet because your partner went into labor? That's the kind of drama Netflix dreams about for Drive to Survive.

Verstappen is still expected to race this weekend for the second sprint session of the season. But I wouldn't be shocked if we suddenly see reserve driver Lawson getting an unexpected call-up.

Miami's gonna be wild either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What costs are excluded in the Formula 1 budget?

Formula 1 budgets are limited, but certain expenses can be excluded to allow teams more flexibility. Marketing costs, driver salaries and salaries of top three executives are usually excluded. Additionally, capital expenditures and expenses related to corporate income tax and employee bonuses or benefits are also outside the cap.

What's the price of an F1 engine?

A Formula 1 motor is one of most sophisticated machines in the sport. Teams may spend between $7 million and $10 million on an engine alone. This is to account for the advanced technology, performance characteristics, and competitiveness necessary to compete at a high level.

What are the transport and logistic costs in Formula 1?

Formula 1 racing's transport and logistical aspects are important and costly. They involve the shipping of cars around the world, as well as equipment and personnel. Teams spend anywhere between $8 million to $10 million each season on logistic costs, although larger teams and those with more equipment will incur higher costs.

How much do Formula 1 cars cost to construct?

The cost to construct a Formula 1 race car can vary considerably. But teams typically spend $10-15 million on each chassis.

Can Formula 1 teams buy vehicles from competitors?

Formula 1 teams design and build their cars themselves, but can buy certain components from other competitors, like the gearboxes and power units. However, to ensure that the sport is competitive and diverse, certain parts are required by regulations. These include the chassis as well as aerodynamic surfaces.

How much does a crash impact a Formula 1 team's budget?

The financial impact of an accident in Formula 1 depends on the severity. Minor accidents could cost tens and thousands of dollars to replace parts. Major crashes can be over $500,000. In extreme cases the cost can exceed one million dollars, especially if you need a new vehicle chassis.

What is the impact of wind tunnel and simulator testing on a Formula 1 teams budget?

Formula 1 cars cannot be developed without the use of wind tunnels and simulators. Wind tunnels can cost up to $100,000 a day. Full-scale simulators, on the other hand, may cost several millions of dollars at first. These facilities have a significant impact on the budgets of teams.

Statistics

A Formula 1 team's pit stop equipment can cost between $100,000 to $500,000 for high precision and speed during the race.
Pirelli F1 tires cost around $2,700 each, resulting in a set of four tires costing approximately $10,800.
A Formula 1 car's carbon fiber body parts, essential for performance and safety, contribute significantly to the overall production costs of the vehicle.
The financial cost of a Formula 1 car crash can range from a few tens of thousands to over $1 million, dependent on the extent of the damage.
Formula 1 teams may spend up to $10 million on the engine alone, due to the high level of technology and performance required.
Racing suits worn by Formula 1 drivers can cost from $2,000 to $5,000, integrating high levels of safety and performance features.
Wind tunnel testing costs in Formula 1 can be as high as $100,000 per day, which is a critical part of car development.
The average cost to construct a Formula 1 car chassis is estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million.

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How To

How to Understand the cost impact of F1 Travel and Logistics

Understanding the cost impact of F1 travel and logistics requires analyzing each aspect of the transportation process. Take into account the location and the race schedule to determine the most efficient way to move both equipment and people. Invest in specialized containers that protect equipment in transit while optimizing space. Assess the reliability and cost of different freight services. Coordinate with logistics specialists to handle customs clearance efficiently. After each race, evaluate the lessons you learned and possible savings for future travel.