Limitation of radio messages in F1: what will be allowed / prohibited
After the announcement of restrictions on radio messages from pit to car, the FIA clarified that coded messages would not be allowed. An opportunity to look into what will be permitted and what will not be.
After the announcement of a stricter interpretation of the regulations, limiting communications from the pit to the car, the question arose whether the discipline would see an increase in coded messages during radio exchanges. However, the teams were informed that this would not be the case and that performance messages, even if coded, would not be allowed.
The discussions between the FIA and the teams regarding the Singapore Grand Prix have resulted in a clarification of the cases now prohibited under the interpretation of Article 20.1 of the Sporting Regulations. The body has already specified that the limitation will not only apply during races but also during practice and qualifying sessions.
The codes will therefore not be allowed to enable drivers to make adjustments such as differential, brake balance, or engine mapping. « This is exactly what we believe infringes article 20.1, » stated a spokesperson from the FIA.
With 22 drivers and therefore 22 radio conversations to check, the Federation specified that it would record all exchanges to ensure that no infractions are committed. If that is the case, a report will be sent to the stewards who can impose sanctions such as stop-and-go, for example: « It will be the decision of the race stewards, but it is likely to be a sporting penalty rather than a financial penalty. »
The FIA assures that it will apply zero tolerance towards illicit radio communications from the pit wall, stating that there is no reason to be lenient with teams on this point: “Given that we can provide clear guidelines, we see no reason for warnings,” was explained to Autosport.
Examples of authorized messages
– Annoncer au pilote quand il doit s’arrêter aux stands pour chausser de nouveaux pneus ;
– Les consignes d’équipe (dépasser ou laisser passer son équipier) ;
– Avertir un pilote sur le trafic en qualification ou en course ;
– Avertissement de sécurité concernant un drapeau jaune ou une situation dangereuse.
Examples of prohibited messages
– Informer un pilote sur un changement de réglages pouvant améliorer sa performance ;
– Informer un pilote sur sa consommation d’essence ou la gestion de son rythme ;
– Informer un pilote sur sa propre performance dans les différents secteurs et où il peut améliorer ;
– Informer un pilote sur l’état et la tenue de ses pneus ;
– Informer un pilote sur l’approche à utiliser lors du tour de formation et sur les changements de réglages à faire pour effectuer un meilleur départ.
