Rules change for Formula 1
Formula 1 bosses have changed the rules to prevent drivers 'blocking' a rival who is trying to pass them. The move was prompted by an incident involving Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton in Italy last season (pictured).
The new rule, officially published on Wednesday, forbids drivers from moving back on to the racing line if they have moved off it to defend. It formally enshrines what had previously been an agreement between the drivers. The new rule is article 20.3 of the F1 sporting regulations.
It says: "More than one change of direction to defend a position is not permitted. "Any driver moving back towards the racing line, having earlier defended his position off?line, should leave at least one car width between his own car and the edge of the track on the approach to the corner."
It is this that so incensed Hamilton about Schumacher's driving in Monza – there was one incident between the second chicane and the first Lesmo corner which prompted the Englishman to get on the radio to his team and say: "I thought you were only allowed to make one move."
Schumacher's Mercedes team received a number of warnings from race director Charlie Whiting during his defence in Italy, and team boss Ross Brawn went on the radio to remind him to "leave room" for Hamilton when he was defending.
The previous rule that forbids drivers from forcing rivals off the track remains.
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