The changes were confirmed recently, when the new 2014 F1 sporting regulations were published. Under Article 43.3 it now reads: “After receiving the end-of-race signal all cars must proceed on the circuit directly to the post race parc fermé without any unnecessary delay, without receiving any object whatsoever and without any assistance (except that of the marshals if necessary).

“An exception... to the above will be made for the winning driver who may perform an act of celebration before reaching parc fermé, provided any such act:

a) Is performed safely and does not endanger other drivers or any officials.
b) Does not call into question the legality of his car.
c) Does not delay the podium ceremony.”

The changes come after Sebastian Vettel celebrated with several donuts after clinching his fourth F1 world title in India last year. He was reprimanded and Red Bull was also fined as he did not get his car back to parc fermé. Similar celebrations in subsequent races went unpunished, however, as he did get his car back, and Mark Webber and Felipe Massa also joined in the fun, with the latter doing so in front of his home fans in Brazil, the final race of the 2013 season and his last outing with Ferrari.