Why F1’s New Standing Restarts Rule Is Just Plain Stupid

For the 2015 Formula 1 season, standing restarts will take place after safety car periods. The exceptions to this rule are if the safety car has been deployed within two laps of the race kicking off, or if there are less than five laps remaining. There will also be no standing restart if the race began under safety car conditions.

This new regulation has, like the introduction of double points, received a negative reaction from fans, the media and even those directly affected, F1 drivers. So what’s all the fuss about?

For starters, one of the most exciting parts of the race - where the lights go out for the first time - will be diluted. Part of the reason why the start is so exciting currently is because there’s currently only one start to the race, where a driver’s chances of a podium finish can be decided by a missed gear or stalled engine. That’s how racing has always been, so why change it now?

The new 2015 rule also throws up concerns over safety; drivers risk stalling on the grid or crashing out at the first corner more than once which, in turn, could lead to more safety car periods, restarts and delays.

Let’s also not forget that there are more important things for the FIA to worry about; keeping the remaining teams in the sport and away from financial ruin by cutting costs is a big concern already.

Do I think that the rule should already be scrapped before it’s been given a chance to shine? Definitely. But for now, we’ll have to wait and see how this plays out. And who knows, maybe it won’t be as bad as I (and plenty of others) think it will be.

What are your thoughts on standing restarts in 2015? Let us know below.