F1: FIA drops Covid Vaccine mandate, strengthens rollhoops, adds money for sprints

A significant increase in the required strength of F1 Roll Hoops was approved for 2024 as part of the continual commitment to improving safety standards in the sport. These updates mean that test loads are applied more horizontally to require better fixing of the roll hoop to the chassis structure.

The World Council also approved several updates and clarifications to the 2023 and 2024 Financial Regulations, including an increase of the forfeit allowance amount for each Sprint session from $150k to $300k from 2023 onwards, and the elimination of any subsequent adjustment for accident damage sustained during the Sprint sessions.

The FIA continues to evolve the COVID-19 protocol in line with the changes in the status of the global pandemic.  Accordingly, it is proposed to relax the COVID-19 protocol for Formula 1 2023 season.

In summary, the key changes to the protocol are: Attendees that are not ‘fit to attend’ (i.e. those having COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed COVID-19 infection) will not be authorized to enter ‘high density’ areas. No requirement for attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter high-density areas. The FIA will no longer organize on-site testing facilities but will inform stakeholders about test facilities available locally to venues.