Formula 1 drivers have expressed concern and confusion after the FIA published new driving standards and penalty guidelines ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix — including a harsh regulation that will see any driver instantly disqualified and given five penalty points if they ignore either a black flag or back-and-orange flag during a race.

The move comes as part of the FIA’s decision to increase transparency in race officiating by making their Penalty and Driving Standards Guidelines public for the first time.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the decision was made to give “fans and media a deeper and more accurate insight into how decisions are made,” while also protecting stewards from “unwarranted criticism.”

“This will give fans and members of the media a much deeper and more accurate insight into how decisions are made in Formula 1,” Ben Sulayem stated. “And ensures our stewards are supported in applying consistent and fair penalties.”

But not all drivers are on board with the update—especially the “immediate disqualification” rule, which has been described as “harsh” and even “crazy” by some of the grid’s top stars.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

“I understand the need for clear rules, but to be disqualified straight away for something that might not even be your fault—like if a flag is missed in the heat of the moment—that’s extreme,” said Max Verstappen. “We already drive with so many pressures, adding five penalty points too could ruin a season.”

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

“It’s important we maintain safety and clarity, but these two rules seem… a bit too aggressive,” Hamilton commented. “Black flags are serious, yes, but there should be room for clarification, not just instant disqualification. We don’t need more chaos in decision-making.”

George Russell (Mercedes)

“These are two crazy rules. I mean, we all want consistent stewarding, but this feels like it might create more confusion instead of solving it,” said George Russell. “If a team fails to inform the driver about a flag properly or there’s miscommunication, why should the driver carry the full weight of that?”

The black flag, typically signaling disqualification from the race, and the back-and-orange flag, which indicates that a car has mechanical damage and must pit, are rarely seen in modern F1. However, the FIA has now clarified that failure to comply with either will result in the sport’s harshest penalties.

The stricter enforcement could play a pivotal role in this weekend’s race at the Red Bull Ring, where close racing and track limits often test the patience and awareness of drivers.

With Max Verstappen already walking a tightrope on penalty points — sitting on 11 out of the 12 allowed — the timing of this announcement could not be more crucial. Another point would mean a race ban, potentially ruling him out of the upcoming British Grand Prix.

The message from the FIA is clear: there will be zero tolerance for violations involving safety-critical flags.

But as the sport balances between safety and fair competition, expect this topic to remain in the spotlight throughout the weekend in Austria.