Reprimand for multiple drivers

Car 23 (Albon) issued a reprimand for performing a practice start with a stationary car ahead, breaching Article B4.2.2c.

Driver Alexander Albon (Car 23) received a reprimand for initiating a practice start during Free Practice 1 while George Russell's Car 12 remained stationary ahead on the grid, violating Article B4.2.2c of the FIA F1 Sporting Regulations. The Stewards acknowledged Albon’s immediate corrective action and cited mitigating factors, including the significantly longer 2026 car preparation time (approx. 20 seconds vs. 2 in 2025), which altered traditional start sequencing. Despite the breach, the context of adapting to new vehicle procedures led to a reprimand rather than a harsher penalty.