Summary
Lap times deleted for Stroll, Bortoleto, Albon, Bearman, and Verstappen due to track limits breaches in Sprint Qualifying.
Explanation
During Sprint Qualifying, the lap times of Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), Alexander Albon (Williams), Oliver Bearman (Haas), and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) were deleted for exceeding track limits at Turns 9 and 16. The Stewards determined a breach of Appendix L Chapter IV Article 2c (track limit compliance), Article B1.8.6 of the F1 Sporting Regulations, and applied deletion under ISC Article 12.4.1e. No penalties beyond lap deletion were issued.
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Referenced regulations
FIA International Sporting Code - Appendix L - Chapter IV - Article 2c
c) Drivers must use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason. For the avoidance of doubt, the white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not. Any part of a kerb which is contained between the white lines is considered as track for the purpose of this article. Should a car leave the track for any reason, the driver may rejoin. However, this may only be done when it is safe to do so and without gaining any lasting advantage. A driver will be judged to have left the track if no part of the car remains in contact with the track. A driver may be reported to the Stewards should they perform any act which results in debris being brought onto the track.
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FIA F1 Regulations - Article B1.8.6
B1.8.6 Drivers must make every reasonable e‘ort to use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason. Drivers will be judged to have left the track if no part of the F1 Car remains in contact with it and, for the avoidance of doubt, any white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not. Should an F1 Car leave the track the driver may re-join, however, this may only be done when it is safe to do so and without gaining any lasting advantage. At the absolute discretion of the Race Director a driver may be given the opportunity to give back the whole of any advantage they gained by leaving the track. 2026 Form ula 1: Sporting Regulations 27 February 2026 B 0 SECTION B: SPORTING REGULATIONS
B1.8.7 Any driver whose car has significant and obvious damage to a structural component which results
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FIA International Sporting Code - Article 12.4.1e
12.4.1.e disallowance or deletion of a Driver’s race, qualifying and practice lap time(s);
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Pages 56–57 highlighted
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