F1: More driver/fan interaction called for in latest FIA rules

A new FIA rule states that six Formula 1 drivers and team principals must be available for fan engagement activities for a maximum period of 30 minutes each on each Grand Prix weekend.

The change is one of many others to come into effect for the 2023 season, including time limits on races, radio messages between teams and drivers, experimental qualifying formats, and DRS activation in sprint races.

The new rule states: 19.1 (b) Within a one-hour period commencing 20 hours and 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of P1, six drivers must be available for fan engagement activities for a maximum period of 30 minutes each (this window includes the time required to travel to and return from the fan activity) within the one-hour period.

19.2 (c) Within a one-hour period finishing no later than one and a half (1.5) hours prior to the scheduled start of P1, 10 drivers must be available for fan engagement activities for a maximum period of 30 minutes each (this window includes the time required to travel to and return from the fan activity) within the one-hour period.

19.2 (e) (iv) Three team principals not taking part in the media activities will be selected by the media delegate in conjunction with the commercial rights holder to take part in fan engagement activities for a maximum period of 30 minutes each (this window includes the time required to travel to and return from the fan activity) within the same one hour period as the media activities.