FIA Stewards & Investigation System
So the Hungarian Grand Prix got me thinking about a really authentic way to make the penalty system improved or more updates Like when Lewis Hamilton got a 5 second penalty for speeding in the pitlane it doesn't get applied immediately. It takes time, The game should reflect that.
Overview
The current penalty system applies decisions almost instantly, reducing realism and removing the uncertainty that exists during real Formula One races.
This feature introduces a dynamic FIA Stewarding System where incidents are investigated before a decision is reached. Not every incident results in a penalty, and investigation times vary depending on the complexity of the event.
The objective is to replicate the procedures seen during official FIA Formula One Grands Prix while ensuring gameplay remains clear and responsive
Race Control
When an incident occurs, Race Control displays one of several initial messages.
Race Control
Incident involving Car 21 and Car 14 noted.
or
> Incident between Car 21 and Car 14 under investigation.
The notification provides no indication of fault, mirroring real FIA procedure.
Steward Review
Once an incident has been flagged, the game begins analysing multiple factors, including:
Corner ownership
Relative overlap
Braking points
Steering inputs
Closing speed
Racing line
Previous warnings
Track limits
Weather conditions
Visibility
Mechanical damage
Chain-reaction incidents involving multiple cars
Investigation duration is variable.
Simple incidents
Approximately 20–40 seconds
Standard incidents
1–3 laps
Complex multi-car incidents
Up to 5 laps
The review can continue during Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car periods.
Engineer Communication
Engineers receive information from Race Control exactly as teams do in Formula One.
Examples:
> "Race Control have noted the incident."
> "The stewards are reviewing that one."
> "We've submitted our view. We'll wait for the decision."
If a penalty is issued:
> "You've received a five-second time penalty for causing a collision."
If cleared:
> "Stewards have taken no further action."
Possible Outcomes
Not every Investigation results in a penalty
Possible decisions include:
No Further Investigation
No Further Action
Racing Incident
Warning
Black and White Flag
Five-Second Time Penalty
Ten-Second Time Penalty
Drive-Through Penalty
Stop-Go Penalty
Disqualification (for severe sporting or technical infringements)
Each decision includes a written explanation based on the FIA Sporting Regulations
Steward Report
Following the race, players can access a complete Steward Report.
Example:
Lap 27
Cars Involved
Car 21
Car 14
Decision
Five-Second Time Penalty
Reasoning
Car 21 attempted an overtake into Turn 4 but failed to achieve sufficient overlap before turn-in. Contact was made with Car 14, forcing both cars off the racing surface. The stewards determined Car 21 was predominantly at fault and imposed a five-second time penalty for causing a collision.
Available evidence includes:
Broadcast replay
Driver onboard cameras
Aerial replay
Telemetry comparison
Steering and braking traces
AI Stewarding
The stewarding system applies equally to all competitors.
AI drivers are investigated using the same rules as the player, ensuring consistent decision-making throughout every race weekend.
Gameplay Settings
Players may customise the system through the assists menu.
Steward Realism
Simplified
Standard
Simulation
Decision Speed
Immediate
Broadcast
Authentic
Steward Consistency
Lenient
Balanced
Strict
Race Control Messages
Minimal
Standard
Broadcast
The uncertainty while waiting for a decision would add tension and make races feel much closer to a real Formula One weekend, where penalties are often issued several laps after an incident rather than immediately.
