F1 drivers could get more lenient penalties for jumping the start of races or failing to stop at the weigh bridge under new rules introduced for the 2020 season.

Sergio Perez and Piere Gasly were both ordered to start races from the pit lane this year after failing to stop at the weigh bridge when instructed to do so during practice sessions. This penalty is mandated by the rules.

This clause has been changed in the new sporting regulations for the 2020 season. Next year if a driver fails to stop at the weigh bridge they will be referred to the stewards, who have the option of using more lenient penalties.

The available penalties for drivers who jump the start of races have also been revised. Under the current rules the stewards may only give a drive-through penalty or 10-second stop-go penalty to drivers who are judged to have made a false start. From next year they will also have the option of handing down five or 10-second time penalties.

Kimi Raikkonen was given a drive-through penalty at the Russian Grand Prix for jumping the start. However Sebastian Vettel was cleared when he was investigated for the same infringement at Suzuka.

The regulations requiring drivers who reach Q3 to start the race on used tyres have also been slightly eased. Currently, drivers who reach the top 10 must begin the race on the tyres they set their fastest lap on in Q2. This applies even if they start from the pit lane. That will change in 2020, and all drivers who start from the pits will be able to put on a new set of tyres for the start of the race.

This change also follows a penalty which was issued to Raikkonen this year. The Alfa Romeo driver started the Italian Grand Prix from the pits on a new set of tyres having reached Q3, and was given a 10-second stop-and-go penalty.

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2020 F1 season