Technical Directive

A Technical Directive (TD) is an official communication issued by a motorsport's governing body that clarifies or modifies existing technical regulations.

Technical Directives serve as important regulatory tools, especially in series like Formula 1 where the FIA uses them to address rule interpretations, close loopholes, or implement immediate changes for safety reasons. Unlike formal rule changes that typically occur between seasons, TDs can be issued at any time during a championship.

For example, in 2022, the FIA issued a Technical Directive to address "porpoising" in F1 cars, establishing metrics for acceptable vertical oscillation. Other notable TDs have targeted flexible wings, engine power modes, and fuel system configurations, often significantly impacting how teams design and operate their vehicles.