Under the old qualifying rules, a driver who showed a red flag was not allowed to continue in the session.
They had also erased their fastest time, ensuring that no matter the circumstances, that was a significant disadvantage.
The potential severity of the rule was illustrated late last season at Sydney Motorsport Park when Cam Waters went off the road during a qualifying session in wet conditions.
The race control immediately threw a red flag, although Waters was able to free himself from the gravel trap.
He then lost his best time, putting him in third fastest place, and had to sit out the rest of the session as he dropped to 17th on the grid.
The 2022 Operations Manual now states in Rule 6.1.12: “Any driver or car causing a red flag during a qualifying session will have their fastest lap at the time of the red flag erased.”
There is no longer any indication of being kicked out of the session, meaning a driver can continue if possible.