Carlos Sainz exceeds allowed control electronics units

Doc 53 - New PU Elements for this Competition

2026 Belgian Grand Prix

Published

Summary

Carlos Sainz uses a fourth control electronics unit, exceeding the three allowed per season, in breach of the Sporting Regulations.

Explanation

The FIA Technical Delegate reports that Carlos Sainz (car 55, Atlassian Williams Mercedes) has fitted a new energy store (ES) — his third of the season, compliant with B8.2.2 d) — and a new control electronics (PU-CE) unit — his fourth, exceeding the three allowed under B8.2.2 e). Both replacements were approved per B3.5.4, but the PU-CE overuse constitutes a technical infringement.

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FIA F1 Regulations - Article B8.2.2d Open regulation PDF Pages 65–66 highlighted
FIA F1 Regulations - Article B8.2.2e Open regulation PDF Pages 65–66 highlighted
FIA F1 Regulations - Article B3.5.4
B3.5.4 Any parts which are removed from the F1 Car in order to carry out any work specifically permitted in Article B3.5.3, or any parts removed to carry out essential safety checks, must remain close to the F1 Car and, at all times, be visible to the scrutineer assigned to the relevant F1 Car. Furthermore, any parts removed from the F1 Car in order to carry out any such work must be refitted before the F1 Car leaves the Pit Lane. Any work not listed in Article B3.5.3 may only be undertaken with the approval of the Technical Delegate following a written request from the Competitor concerned. It must be clear that any replacement part a Competitor wishes to fit is the same in design and similar in mass, inertia and function to the original. Any parts which are removed shall be retained by the FIA. If a Competitor wishes to change a part during the Sprint Qualifying session, Qualifying session, on the grid before the start of the Sprint and between reconnaissance laps and / or on the grid before the start of the Race, this may be done without first seeking the permission of the Technical Delegate, provided it is reasonable for the relevant Competitor to believe permission would be given if there was time to ask and the broken or damaged part remains in full view of the scrutineer assigned to the F1 Car at all times. B3.5.5 Exceptionally, each Alternative Format Competition, six (6) times during the Championship a
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