Penalty for Albon

Doc 42 - Infringement - Car 23 - Changes made during Parc Ferme

2026 Chinese Grand Prix

Published

Summary

Car 23 (Albon) required to start Sprint from pit lane for suspension changes under Parc Ferme.

Explanation

Alexander Albon's car (23) was found to have had its suspension setup altered during Parc Ferme conditions, violating Article B3.5.7 of the FIA F1 Regulations. As a consequence, the Stewards ruled that he must start the Sprint race from the pit lane. The team was reminded of their right to appeal under applicable FIA procedures.

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FIA F1 Regulations - Article B3.5.7
B3.5.7 A Competitor may not modify any part on the F1 Car or make changes to the set-up of the suspension whilst the F1 Car is being held under parc fermé conditions. In the case of a breach of this Article: 2026 Form ula 1: Sporting Regulations 27 February 2026 B 0 SECTION B: SPORTING REGULATIONS a. At each Standard Format Competition, the relevant driver must start the Race from the Pit Lane. b. At each Alternative Format Competition, if the parc fermé conditions are breached before the start of the Sprint, the relevant driver must start the Sprint from the Pit Lane. If the parc fermé conditions are breached after the start of Qualifying the relevant driver must start the Race from the Pit Lane. In order that the scrutineers may be completely satisfied that no alterations have been made to the suspension systems or aerodynamic configuration of the F1 Car (with the exception of the front wing) whilst in pre-Race parc fermé, it must be clear from physical inspection that changes cannot be made without the use of tools. B3.5.8 One (1) scrutineer will be allocated to each F1 Car for the purpose of ensuring that no unauthorised
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