Formula 1 is an extremely competitive sport where drivers push their cars to the limit to become the fastest on the circuit. However, in some cases, a driver, or car simply is not fast enough to be on track with the rest of the competitors, which is why there is a 107% rule in F1.
The 107% rule in F1 states that a car must lap within 107% of the fastest lap time set in Q1. This is to ensure that the slower cars are fast enough to compete in the race and will not pose a danger to the other cars on track. Cars that fail to do this will not be allowed to race in the Grand Prix.
However, there are some exceptions to the 107% rule. Below, we discuss the 107% rule in more detail, and go through all of the possible exceptions to the rule and why they are important. But first, let’s consider what F1’s 107% rule actually is.
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What Is The 107% Rule In F1?
The 107% rule in F1 is a rule put in place to ensure that a car or driver is not too slow to compete in the Grand Prix. If a driver is too slow during the race they will pose a danger to the other cars on the track, as well as to themselves, and the 107% rule minimizes this risk.
A driver who is too slow will be lapped too often, meaning that they will be getting in the way of the faster cars, potentially causing incidents along the way. The rule was mainly implemented for safety reasons.
The rule is based on qualifying, specifically Q1. The slowest car needs to set a lap time that is within 107% of the fastest time of the session. If they fail to do so, they will not be allowed to race in the Grand Prix the following day. Below is a simple calculation to show you how the 107% rule works in a practical sense.
107% Rule Example
Let’s say the fastest time of the Q1 session is 1 minute and 40 seconds (100 seconds). All other cars need to set a faster lap time than 1 minute and 47 seconds (107 seconds) if they want to start the race, as this is 107% of the fastest lap time that was set (100 seconds).
RELATED ARTICLE The 10 Best F1 Races Of All Time (Plus Lists By Decade)
Exceptions To The 107% Rule
There are some exceptions to the 107% rule and it’s not always black and white in terms of a car or driver not starting the race for being too slow. If the team can prove that their car and driver are fast enough to race, an exception may be made for them by the FIA.
The team has to provide evidence in order to prove that they will not be too slow during the race. They can do this by showing the stewards their pace during the three free practice sessions held on Friday and Saturday, of course if their driver was fast enough.
The team can also use evidence of a faulty car causing a slower pace (or indeed a crash in Q1). This can be a mechanical failure or something simpler such as a slow puncture on the tires. If it’s not the driver’s fault, and the car was suffering a loss in performance in that session alone, the driver will usually be allowed to start the race.
RELATED ARTICLE How F1 Qualifying Works – The Ultimate Guide
History Of The 107% Rule In F1
The 107% rule was first introduced in the 1996 season. During this time there was a huge gap in terms of the performance of the cars, and the front runners were often well clear of the rest of the pack, leading to many cars being lapped and getting in the way of the leaders.
The rule was then taken away in 2002. However, it was reintroduced in 2011 as the cars at the back of the pack struggled significantly with their pace. Most notably the HRT cars could not build a fuel tank that would last to the end of the Grand Prix, meaning they had to save fuel for most of the race, and therefore go slower.
The rule has not been used very often since its reintroduction into the sport. However, it still serves as a safety element to prevent cars that are too slow from competing in the race and causing a danger on the circuit during the Grand Prix.
RELATED ARTICLE Why Do F1 Drivers Slow Down In Qualifying? (8 Reasons)
Is The 107% Rule Still Used In F1?
The 107% rule is still used in F1, and has been ever since being reintroduced into Formula 1 in 2011. It was brought back as the gap between the lead cars and the slower cars at the back of the grid was getting larger, and the slower cars were often close to falling behind the 107% rule.
The 107% rule is still used today even though we don’t see it very often. Nowadays the grid is fast enough to not have to worry about the 107% rule, and in the majority of cases, the slowest car on the grid is still quick enough to compete.
RELATED ARTICLE What Is A Flying Lap In F1? (Explained)
When Was The 107% Rule Last Used In F1?
The 107% rule was last used in F1 in 2021. Lance Stroll lapped slower than 107% of the fastest Q1 time at the 2021 French Grand Prix, as incidents prevented him from completing a full timed lap. However, he was allowed to start the race due to his times set during free practice sessions.
The 107% rule was also used in 2018 during the Azerbaijan GP when Brendon Hartley failed to set a fast enough time during Q1 in his Toro Rosso. However, the team argued that he had suffered a puncture during his fastest run, which was the cause of his slow lap time. He was allowed to race due to proof of the puncture as well as being fast enough during the practice sessions and previous races.
The Last Time The 107% Rule Prevented A Driver From Starting A Race
The 107% was last used in full effect during the 2012 season. The 2012 Australian Grand Prix was the season opener, and the HRT team pulled up to the race with arguably the worst Formula 1 car in recent history that was not capable of putting in a lap fast enough to be within 107% of the fastest time set in Q1.
Both drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Pedro De La Rosa, were not allowed to compete in the race. The same thing happened to Karthikeyanand then-teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi a year prior at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix.
Should The 107% Rule Remain In Formula 1?
Ultimately this rule serves a simple purpose, which is to ensure that the track is safe enough based on having cars and competitors who are fast enough and won’t get in the way of the leading cars throughout the course of the race.
This is an important element of the sport, especially considering the fact that there is a massive focus on the safety of the drivers in Formula 1. Based on this alone, the 107% rule should remain in Formula 1 in the future.
Rarely Employed To Full Effect
In addition, the 107% rule has never forced any driver to stop racing due to technicalities. If a driver fails to qualify within the 107% time, there will always be a review where the stewards will effectively do everything they can to make sure the driver can race. In the majority of cases, drivers who have fallen foul of the 107% rule are still allowed to race.
During qualifying at the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix, a total of 11 drivers failed to qualify within 107% of the fastest time set in Q1. This was due to a chaotic session filled with incidents, delays, and rain. The final minutes of Q1 were red flagged, which meant that several drivers could not set a faster lap time. An exception was made for all of these drivers.
The 107% Rule In Other Motorsports
The 107% rule has been implemented in other branches of motorsport as well. This rule proved to be popular as a way to ensure that all competitors are fast enough on track, which can lead to a safer race during the main event.
Formula 2 and Formula 3, the junior series to Formula 1, both use the 107% rule, and it has been used quite frequently in both. This is because the drivers have much less experience and, because all of the cars are equal in terms of performance, if a driver fails to set a lap time faster than 107% of the best time, it’s simply because they are too slow (excluding the usual exceptions).
Formula E has implemented an alternative version of the same rule where drivers need to be within 110% of the fastest time. IndyCar and NASCAR both have alternative versions of the rule as well, as they implement 105% and 115% respectively.
Final Thoughts
The 107% rule in F1 is a rule designed to ensure that only cars that set a lap time within 107% of the fastest time in Q1 in qualifying can start the race. This is to ensure that slow cars/drivers that could possibly pose a danger to others are not allowed to start the race.
More from Flow Racers:
- The 10 Best F1 Races Of All Time (Plus Lists By Decade)
- How F1 Qualifying Works – The Ultimate Guide
- Why Do F1 Drivers Slow Down In Qualifying? (8 Reasons)
- What Is A Flying Lap In F1? (Explained)
FAQs
How does the 107 rule work in F1? ›
To be eligible to start a grand prix, a driver must qualify within 107% of the time set in Q1 by the fastest car. Failure results in automatic exclusion. Stewards may subsequently allow a car to start if they believe a driver was prevented from setting a <107% time by special circumstances.
What is the 7% rule in F1? ›The 107% rule is in place for F1 qualifying to ensure that drivers must get to within 7% of the fastest Q1 time (that acting as 100%), to prove the cars and drivers are quick enough to race.
What is the 80% rule in F1? ›“There is a long-held belief, the so-called '80-20 rule', in F1 that the car/team are responsible for 80% of race success, while the skill of the driver only accounts for 20%,” explains lead author Duane Rockerbie, from the University of Lethbridge, whose findings are published in the journal, Applied Economics.
What is the 90% rule in F1? ›Ok, first thing's first: The regulations are very simple, stating that to be classified, a driver must have done 90% or more of the winner's lap numbers. So, if your winner did 100 laps then only those who have completed 90 laps or more will be classified.
When was the last time the 107 rule was used? ›The 107% rule was introduced for the 1996 season and remained in force until 2002.
What is the 50% rule in F1? ›No point will be awarded if the fastest valid lap time is achieved by a driver who was classified outside the top ten positions, or if the leader has completed less than 50% of the scheduled race distance.
What is 555 in F1? ›The 555 F1, the latest version of the F1 single-seater with a 4-cylinder engine, was first used at the Bordeaux GP on 24 April '55. It was the evolution of the 553, whose new helical spring front suspension it retained, instead of the transverse leaf-spring type.
What is Rule 48.3 F1? ›According to rule 48.3, “any cars that have been lapped by the leader will be required to pass the cars on the lead lap and the safety car” when F1 officials give lapped cars permission to pass the leader.
What is the golden rule in F1? ›ALPINE DRIVERS BREAK THE GOLDEN RULE
The number one rule of motor racing is to never hit your teammate.
Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99.
What is the #1 rule in F1 car? ›
The concept behind Formula 1 is simple: the first car to cross the finish line on the final lap wins the race.
Do F1 drivers brake 100%? ›Most of the time. Generally F1 brakes like to be hit hard, the ideal braking process is keep the car straight, brake 100% and then turn in. Braking any less than 100% in most scenarios means your leaving time on the table.
What is the 0 to 100 of F1? ›0-100km/h takes around 2.9 seconds, while 0-200km/h is achieved in 6.6 seconds.
What is the 3 engine rule in F1? ›F1 has strict power unit component usage rules
ICE: Each driver is permitted three internal combustion engines. TC: Each driver is permitted three turbochargers. ES: Each driver is permitted two Energy Stores.
For 2023, fuel in a car must not be colder than the lowest of either 10 degrees centigrade below ambient temperature, or 10 degrees centigrade (this being cut from 20 degrees), at any time when the car is running after leaving the competitor's designated garage area.
What is the 107 percent qualifying rule? ›107% rule. During the first phase of qualifying, any driver who fails to set a lap within 107 percent of the fastest Q1 time will not be allowed to start the race. However, in exceptional circumstances, which could include a driver setting a suitable time during practice, the stewards may permit the car to start.
What is Rule 107 optional completeness? ›Rule of Optional Completeness. If a party introduces part of an act, declaration, conversation, writing, or recorded statement, an adverse party may inquire into any other part on the same subject.
What is the minimum speed in F1? ›But it's not just the cornering speeds that are limited under the Safety Car, it's also acceleration and top speed. "Last year, F1 cars took the speed trap before Turn 13 at over 300 kph but clocked in "only" 255 kph under the Safety Car.
How many points is a 25% race F1? ›For winning a race that had completed two laps but less than 25% race distance, a winner would get six points. For races that ran beyond 25% but not 50%, the winner would get 13 points, and for races that ran for 50% but not 75%, then it would be 19 points. Anything more than 75% was full points.
How did Verstappen and Hamilton get .5 points? ›The FIA's statement read: “The stewards reviewed the video from several angles, including In Car Cameras, CCTV and broadcast video. “The stewards determined that Verstappen attempted to pass Hamilton on the outside of Turn 1 by braking very late.
Why did Hamilton and Verstappen have .5 points? ›
The official verdict
Verstappen began his attempt to pass at turn one The stewards gave Verstappen a five-second time penalty and two penalty points on his licence for the collision. They ruled “Verstappen attempted to pass Hamilton on the outside of turn one by braking very late.
The 44 is my family number. It's the number I had when I first started racing. I won my first (karting) championship with 44. It means something to me. The number one itself, Vettel's had it, (Michael) Schumacher's had it, all the champions have had it.
Is number 13 banned in F1? ›It is due to superstition. Races till early 1920s used to run cars with number 13. However, they later stopped using the number after 2 fatal accidents in a short span of time killing Paul Torchy and Giulio Masetti.
Why is 17 not used in F1? ›The number 17 was used by Jules Bianchi in 2014 before his crash at the Japanese Grand Prix. Following his death, the number was retired as a mark of respect.
What is 15.3 rule F1? ›It justified that by saying the regulations gave the F1 race director complete freedom to choose what rules he followed. This was based around Article 15.3 which states that the race director shall have 'overriding authority' over a number of matters including the safety car.
What is a 10 second penalty in F1? ›Ten-second stop-and-go penalty
This follows the same serving conditions as a drive-through but the driver must stop in the team's pit for at least ten seconds and then immediately re-join the race without any work being done to the car.
The mistaken rule that allowed Max Verstappen to seal the 2022 Formula 1 title in the Japanese Grand Prix after all is expected to be altered to avoid a repeat. A new rule was created for 2022 to ensure an appropriate number of laps must be completed for points to be awarded.
Why can't you wear jewelry in F1? ›The FIA says the rules are in place to protect drivers in case of a crash. “The wearing of jewellery during the competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident.
Why can't you overtake in F1? ›Overtaking is forbidden on the formation lap – obviously, because the race has not started yet! There are exceptions, though. If a car gets away slowly, drivers can pass it but that car can also pass back to recover their position.
What is the hardest F1 to drive? ›But Singapore is a beast like no other. It is renowned for being one of the hardest races to compete in both physically and mentally, meaning it requires a kind of preparation unlike any other race.
Do F1 drivers have to clutch? ›
To answer if F1 cars have a clutch, yes, they do, though it is not a traditional pedal like you would see in your road car. The F1 clutch is on the steering wheel and works whenever an F1 driver flicks their shift paddles to change the gear. When that happens, a computer operates the clutch to adjust gears.
Who has number 99 in F1? ›Two numbers that disappear from the grid in 2022 are those of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi. Raikkonen's number 7 leaves with him, as he has retired from the sport, while Giovinazzi's number 99 also vanishes as he departs for Formula E.
What octane is F1 fuel? ›Formula One fuel would fall under high octane premium road fuel with octane thresholds of 95 to 102. Since the 1992 season onwards all Formula One cars must mandatorily utilize unleaded racing gasoline fuel. F1 Blends are tuned for maximum performance in given weather conditions or different circuits.
Are F1 cars manual? ›No, Formula 1 cars are not manual. They are equipped with semi-automatic gearboxes that allow for quick gear shifts during races.
What is the cool fuel rule in F1? ›2022 FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulation 6.4.
2 states that. “No fuel intended for immediate use in a car may be more than ten degrees centigrade below ambient temperature.
Formula E race cars can go from 0-60 in slightly under 2.8 seconds. F1 cars accelerate from 0-60mph in about 2.6 seconds, making them the quicker of the two. The top speed of a Formula E car is 174mph (280km/h), while for an F1 car it's over 186mph (300km/h).
What is the fastest F1 car acceleration? ›F1 cars 0-60mph speed
The fastest hyper cars in the world can hit that level of acceleration in blistering times typically ranging between 2.8 and 2.3 seconds. One or two cars, including the Koenigsegg Gemera, claim to have breached the two-second mark with an outrageous 1.9 seconds from 0-60mph.
Williams Racing - The longest run to Turn 1 in F1, you can barely see the corner, 990 metres away! | Facebook.
Does F1 still have the 107 percent rule? ›The 107% Rule is a means to ensure that entries to a race are fast enough to be competitive, and not pose a danger to faster cars. It was originally enacted for the 1996 season, and was in place through 2002. The rule reintroduced for 2011, and has been in place ever since.
How many gallons of fuel does an F1 car hold? ›Formula 1 Fuel Tanks Today
However, this space-saving and safety-driven design can hold a whopping 30 gallons, or 110 liters or kilograms of fuel, the maximum allowed for a race.
What is the penalty for changing engine in F1? ›
The first time an additional element is used, the driver gets a 10-place grid penalty. The next time an additional element is used, the driver gets a five-place grid penalty. If a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places, they will be required to start the race at the back.
What is the penalty for turbocharger in F1? ›A fourth turbocharger of the season will incur a 10-place grid penalty the moment it is fitted to the car. If any other engine components are needed at any point during the remainder of the campaign, and they go beyond the allowed total, then they will cost five grid places each.
Does F1 use V16? ›The British Racing Motors V16 was a supercharged 1.5-litre (90.8 cu. in.) V-16 cylinder racing engine built by British Racing Motors (BRM) for competing in Formula One motor racing in the immediate aftermath of World War II.
Which F1 drivers have no seat in 2023? ›Williams is the only team with no drivers confirmed for 2023. Both Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi's have deals for just 2022.
Why no French F1 in 2023? ›Formula One has confirmed that the French Grand Prix will not feature on the calendar from next season. The global motorsport series' chief executive Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the contract will not be renewed in a move that will free up space for new races in Las Vegas and Qatar in 2023.
What happens in F1 2026? ›F1 is set to debut its next generation of power units in 2026, placing a heavy emphasis on the use of sustainable fuels and greater electric power in a bid for improved sustainability whilst not impacting the on-track spectacle.
What is the 6.5 rule in F1? ›As per article 6.5 of the F1 sporting regulations for 2022, races under 25% distance award points for the top five on a 6-4-3-2-1 basis, with increased points on offer once 25% and then 50% are passed.
What is the penalty for using too many engines in F1? ›The first time an additional element is used, the driver gets a 10-place grid penalty. The next time an additional element is used, the driver gets a five-place grid penalty. If a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places, they will be required to start the race at the back.
Why can you not touch F1 cars? ›F1 regulations stipulate that a driver must not be touched in parc ferme by anybody, until he has been weighed. This is to ensure there is no tampering with his eventual weight on the scales. F1 cars must be a minimum weight of 798kg without fuel. That includes the driver's minimum weight.
How fast can a Formula 1 car go 0 60? ›Formula 1. F1 cars accelerate from 0 – 60mph in roughly 2.6 seconds. This might seem slow given their top speed, however as a lot of their speed comes from the aerodynamics (which works better the quicker the car is going), they can't unleash full power from a standing start.
What is the maximum rpm of an F1 engine? ›
The power a Formula One engine produces is generated by operating at a very high rotational speed, up to 20,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). However, they are electronically limited to 15,000 as of 2021 season. This contrasts with road car engines of a similar size, which typically operate at less than 6,000 rpm.
What happens if two F1 cars finish at the same time? ›In case of a tie, the FIA compares the number of times each driver has finished in each position. The championship goes to whichever had the greater number of wins; if they have the same number of wins, it goes to the driver with the greater number of second places, and so on.
Is there a limit on how much horsepower a F1 car can have? ›The maximum power the MGU-K can produce is 120kW – which equates to about 160bhp. To prevent electric powered super starts, though, its use is restricted at the start of the race to until the car has reached 100km/h. The MGU-K must weigh no less than 7kg and can spin up to 50,000rpm, with a maximum torque of 200Nm.