Formula 1 ( F1 ) is never static and the regulations governing the sport are constantly reassessed. And amended by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to improve competition as well as safety. Lately, there are reports of an important possible rule change due to the joint actions of three leading teams.
Proposed Rule Change: Introduction of Non-Constructor Teams
Under this initial groundbreaking proposal, however. The three new teams could be given a spot on the F1 grid, say FIA. These teams would be designated as “non-constructors,” preventing them from scoring championship points or prize money. The idea is for grid expansion but without splitting the current £1 billion prize pool per season between the existing ten constructors.
Important Conditions for Teams Without a Constructor
The proposal lays out several conditions for this new entry:
Entry: Each team will be required to take part in a minimum of eight races over circuits that can accommodate 26 cars.
Geographical Diversity: There should realistically be teams from other areas of the world. Such as the Americas, Asia, Africa or Oceania that are not already represented in F1.
FIA Spirit of Development: Teams will be given three seasons to develop their infrastructure and attract personnel. With a target of becoming full constructors by the fourth year.
Proposed by Tim Milne and Lewis Butler. This idea is due to be discussed as a possible addition to the 2026 Concorde Agreement.
Teams Leading the Push
However individual groups lobbying for this change have not been revealed. Some with responsibilities tied to the sport’s worldwide reach are likely leading the charge. This proposal may be most beneficial for teams with significant regional ties. Also looking to expand their market presence in underrepresented markets.
What would this mean if the change was passed?
The introduction of non-constructor teams raises a handful of implications:
Competition increase: More teams on the grid could lead to more dynamic races and strategic diversity in F1.
Market Expansion: A team from a different region could create local fan bases. Sponsors and media interest could all aid in conjunction with F1’s continued growth as a global sport.
New teams could present an opportunity for up-and-coming drivers, engineers and technicians to carve careers in the sport.
Recent FIA Announcements
Along with the planned non-constructor teams, the FIA will also implement some big changes:
Removal of Fastest Lap Point: the bonus point for the fastest lap will be removed from the 2025 season onwards This has been implemented to avoid any further strategy from teams that may help influence championship outcomes.
Driver Cooling Systems: To address increasing concerns over driver safety and adverse effects from extreme heat conditions in F1, the FIA will require all teams to use driver cooling kits from the 2025 season. The idea of this measure is to protect the health of drivers in races with high ambient temperatures.
Young Driver Entry: There will be an increase in free practice session allocation from once to twice per season per car for teams to field young drivers, beginning in 2025. This change is designed to open up opportunities for emerging talent for experience.
