The Biggest Rule Changes and Key Grid Updates for the 2025 Formula 1 Season – Everything You Need to Know Before Lights Out

The wait is almost over, and this coming weekend, Formula 1 will once again be racing for points. The 2025 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, and we have taken a look at the rule changes and other adjustments introduced for this season.

Less than a Week Until the Season Begins

Today, there are only four days left until the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, as the first race in Australia takes place on Sunday, March 16

The Teams Have Already Been Busy Testing

However, we already got a small taste of what the Formula 1 cars are capable of this season during pre-season testing, which took place from February 26-28 in Sakhir, Bahrain.

Heavier Cars

The minimum weight of the cars will increase from 798 kg (1,759 lbs) to 800 kg (1,764 lbs). This is due to an adjustment in the minimum driver weight, increasing from 80 kg (176 lbs) to 82 kg (181 lbs). Goal: Improve safety and health for taller drivers like Albon, Russell, and Ocon.

Stricter DRS and Flex Wing Regulations

McLaren’s “mini-DRS” concept from 2024 is now banned. The minimum rear wing gap is reduced from 10-15 mm (0.39-0.59 inches) to 9.4-13 mm (0.37-0.51 inches). The DRS activation gap remains at a maximum of 85 mm (3.35 inches). Tighter rules on flexible front wings will be enforced starting at the Spanish GP.

Mandatory Driver Cooling Systems

After the extreme heat at the 2023 Qatar GP, where several drivers suffered heatstroke, the FIA is mandating cooling systems in extreme temperatures. If temperatures exceed 30.5°C (86.9°F), cars must have an active cooling solution. The minimum car weight will be increased further to compensate:

• +2 kg (4.4 lbs) for practice, qualifying, and sprint qualifying.
• +5 kg (11 lbs) for sprint races and Grand Prix races.

Goodbye to Fastest Lap Bonus Point

The bonus point for setting the fastest lap in the top 10 is being removed. The FIA aims to prevent “tactical” pit stops solely to deny rivals an extra point. Several drivers, including Russell and Leclerc, support the change.

More Young Driver FP1 Sessions

The mandatory FP1 sessions for young drivers will double from 2 to 4. Each car must be used at least twice per season. This aims to give more opportunities for rising talents from F2 and F3.

Adjustments to Old Car Testing Rules

Teams are now limited to 20 test days with cars that are at least two years old. F1 drivers are restricted to a maximum of 1,000 km (621 miles) over four days. Testing is not allowed on circuits on the race calendar within 60 days of a scheduled GP.

New Method for Setting the Grid

If qualifying cannot take place, the grid will be set based on the championship standings. This rule also applies to sprint races. For the first race of the season, stewards will decide the grid order.

New Rule for Grid Positioning

If a car withdraws at least 75 minutes before the start, the rest of the grid moves up. This prevents empty grid slots after incidents.

Stricter Regulations on Driver Conduct

The FIA is implementing stricter guidelines on inappropriate comments. Drivers can now receive point deductions or suspensions for repeated offenses.

Grid Changes in F1 2025

The 2025 season will be the first without Kevin Magnussen, Sergio Pérez, Zhou Guanyu, and Daniel Ricciardo on the F1 grid. Additionally, Valtteri Bottas does not have a full-time seat, but as Mercedes’ reserve driver, there is a possibility he could get an opportunity to race.

Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari

After a successful 12-year tenure with Mercedes, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has joined Scuderia Ferrari on a multi-year deal, partnering with Charles Leclerc.

Carlos Sainz Jr. to Williams

Departing Ferrari, Carlos Sainz Jr. has signed a multi-year contract with Williams, teaming up with Alex Albon

Nico Hülkenberg & Gabriel Bortoleto to Sauber

After two seasons with Haas, Nico Hülkenberg moves to Kick Sauber (preparing to become Audi’s works team in 2026), partnering with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto

Esteban Ocon & Oliver Bearman to Haas

Leaving Alpine after five seasons, Esteban Ocon joins Haas, where he will race alongside newcomer Oliver Bearman

Jack Doohan to Alpine

Promoted from reserve driver, Jack Doohan secures a full-time seat at Alpine, partnering with Pierre Gasly

Liam Lawson at Red Bull

Following Sergio Pérez’s departure, Liam Lawson steps up from Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing

Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes

Mercedes promotes their junior driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, to replace Hamilton, partnering with George Russell.

Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls

Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar secures a seat at Racing Bulls, partnering with Yuki Tsunoda.

And that covers all the biggest and most important changes ahead of the upcoming season. We’re excited for the first race, and with Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, it will be especially thrilling to see if he can secure his eighth World Championship.