FIA releases details of meeting with drivers amid stewarding controversies

The DSGs were first introduced in 2022 at the request of the drivers, who sought clarity on what is and is not permitted in scenarios involving overtaking and defending on track. These guidelines have since been reviewed twice following their introduction.

On Thursday at the Qatar Grand Prix weekend – and with the issue of steward rulings becoming a subtle but growing controversy among drivers – the FIA held its third annual review of the rules governing driver conduct.

The meeting, which was also attended by the three recommended driver stewards for the 2026 campaign, examined several incidents and rulings from recent races that had come under scrutiny.

Here are the key issues raised from the FIA meeting with the drivers

The meeting, which focused on a small but crucial sample size, considered several incidents, including the following:

Oscar Piastri’s collision with Kimi Antonelli at the Brazilian Grand Prix, when he attempted an overtake on the inside.

Carlos Sainz’s collision with Oliver Bearman at the Italian Grand Prix was also in the spotlight.

The Williams driver also had his incident involving Liam Lawson in Zandvoort reviewed, particularly regarding the application of penalties in long-radius corners.

Lando Norris’s track limits violations involving Charles Leclerc at the United States Grand Prix – and what should constitute a strike – were also considered.

The final incident was the chaotic opening-lap event from the Mexico City Grand Prix, which affected several drivers, including Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who both appeared to leave the track and gain an advantage.

Among the key takeaways from the meeting was the emphasis on the need for greater respect for yellow flags and the discussion of a potential additional concept to further enhance safety.

A clear preference for hearings to be held after the race, when stewards believe not all relevant elements may be available during live running, was also agreed.

Both the drivers and the FIA acknowledged that the guidelines cannot cover every scenario, highlighting the need for an experienced driver steward on each panel.

The possibility of adding guidelines relating to blue flags for lapped cars was also discussed.

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