The FIA has acknowledged the existence of "new guidelines" governing driver penalties in Formula 1, but their details remain undisclosed, even to key stakeholders, according to Germany's Auto Bild.
The revelation follows Max Verstappen's outrage over a 5-second penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which likely cost him victory.
The penalty stemmed from Verstappen cutting the first corner in a contest with McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who went on to win the race and claim the championship lead.
Some argued Piastri should have been penalised for forcing Verstappen off the track, but the FIA penalised the Red Bull driver for gaining an advantage.
Reports indicate that, after similar incidents involving Verstappen in 2024, the FIA revised its penalty guidelines late last season in consultation with drivers. However, the specifics of these changes were never made public.
An FIA spokesperson confirmed, "Yes, there are new guidelines. But unfortunately, it was decided not to publish them."
It is understood that the guidelines grant the inside driver the right to the corner if the cars are side-by-side, but the lack of transparency has caused confusion.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner appeared uncertain about the rules when he presented printed photos of Verstappen and Piastri side-by-side to the media post-race.
A Red Bull source told Auto Bild, "There are apparently new rules, but nobody really knows them, and they're also subject to interpretation."
The issue adds to the growing controversies surrounding FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership. Former F1 driver Timo Glock expressed concern, telling Sky Deutschland, "I have rarely seen a president who has caused so much controversy.
"It's not good for the sport. He's not doing himself any favours at the moment."
