You’d think that in Formula 1 the pinnacle of motorsport the rules would be clear, consistent, and applied with logic. But after reviewing the newly released FIA documents on driving standards and the penalty guide, one can’t help but ask: what if simracing has been doing it better all along?
Those of us who race in simulators know it well: every overtake, every contact, every defensive move can be reviewed. But we also know that most virtual competitions, even amateur ones, operate under clearer, more stable, and better-applied sporting codes than what we’re seeing in real-world F1 lately.
Yes, that sounds bold. But let’s go step by step.
Confusing in F1, Clear in Sim Racing
One of the most controversial changes in the FIA’s new document is the redefinition of what constitutes a valid inside overtake. Previously, the attacking car had to be at least side-by-side; now, having the front wing aligned with the rival’s mirror is enough.
In our simracing leagues, that’s not enough. Why? Because we understand that a clean overtake means both cars should be able to exit the corner without contact. That basic rule of leaving space to race is embedded in most simracing rulebooks.
In simracing, there’s no room for interpretive gymnastics. You either complete the move properly or you don’t. Period.
Outside Moves: A Death Sentence in F1, a Challenge in Sim Racing
FIA’s rulebook now says that a car attempting to pass on the outside must have its front ahead of the defending car at the exact apex to deserve space. If not, the defending driver has every right to push them wide.
In virtual racing, this logic is rarely applied. If the attacking car is even partially alongside, it deserves racing room. And that creates something valuable: more overtakes, better racing, and more mutual respect between drivers.
The Penalty Guide: The Illusion of Consistency
The FIA’s penalty document looks extensive and well-structured, but buried within is a clause that essentially says: “Stewards may adjust penalties based on unique circumstances.”
In simracing, we often have:
- Clear penalty tables
- Public replays
- Consistent steward panels
- And often, automated systems for common infractions
Most importantly? In the vast majority of virtual championships, actions are penalized not consequences. Something the FIA seems to have abandoned with its new “no visible consequence” clause for collisions.
Sim Racing Has No Excuses That’s Why It Works
In real-world F1, there are commercial interests, political pressure, media chaos… but in simracing, the only objective is fair and clean competition. That makes consistency easier: because there’s no excuse not to be consistent.
And it’s ironic: a virtual sport, often managed by volunteers or small communities, applies sporting justice with more transparency and fairness than the top motorsport category in the world.
It’s Not Perfect But It’s Fairer
Of course, simracing isn’t flawless. There’s lag, netcode, human error, and occasional controversy. But even with all that, there’s a general feeling among competitors that rules are enforced properly and penalties are predictable.
And when things go wrong, they get fixed. Rules are updated, precedents reviewed, and agreements made to keep everyone racing on equal terms.
The FIA has finally made its rules public. But those documents — full of ambiguity and flexibility — show us one thing: you can have guidelines and still lack fairness.
Meanwhile, simracing — often overlooked — continues to demonstrate that fair competition isn’t about million-dollar budgets or global TV audiences. It’s about consistency, clarity, and a genuine respect for the rulebook.
So next time someone tells you that “simracing isn’t like real F1,” feel free to answer proudly: “Thank goodness.”
See you on the track!
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