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The latest edition of the FIA sporting regulations has seen a change in wording that means the rules surrounding lapped cars overtaking the Safety Car have been clarified.

There was widespread furore from Mercedes and sections of Formula 1 fans at the end of last season, as the decision from race director Michael Masi to allow only select lapped cars pass the Safety Car in Abu Dhabi in December enabled Max Verstappen to close right up to the back of Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen eventually passed Hamilton on the last lap to take his first World Championship, but Masi has since been removed from his race director role to take up a new role in the FIA after the controversy that ensued and rumbled on throughout the winter months.

Mercedes initially appealed the result of the race as they felt the governing body’s rules were not followed by Masi in that instance, as well as not adhering to the regulation that the Safety Car could only be called in on the following lap, which would have left a short dash to the line.

Red Bull’s interpretation of the wording of the lapped car rules passing the Safety Car left Masi with the freedom to choose who could pass.

Article 55.13 of the sporting regulations previously read: “If the clerk of the course considers it safe to do so,