Lap times deleted for track limits breaches in Free Practice 1

Today on gp.news

Driver: Sainz Driver: Hamilton Driver: Hulkenberg

Summary

The stewards deleted lap times for Sainz, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, and Norris for not using the track at turns 3, 11, 12, and 13 during Free Practice 1.

Explanation

The stewards received a report from the Race Director and determined that the cars of Carlos Sainz (Car 55), Lewis Hamilton (Car 44), Nico Hulkenberg (Car 27), and Lando Norris (Car 1) did not use the track at turns 3, 11, 12, and 13 during Free Practice 1. This constitutes a breach of Appendix L Chapter IV Article 2 c) of the FIA International Sporting Code and Article B1.8.6 of the FIA F1 Regulations. As a result, the lap times shown in the document were deleted in accordance with Article 12.4.1.e of the FIA International Sporting Code.

Loading PDF…

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.

Open regulation PDF Pages 55–56 highlighted

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

Open regulation PDF Pages 12–13 highlighted

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);

Open regulation PDF Pages 56–57 highlighted

Related FIA decisions

Other documents citing the same regulations

74 total

← Prev

Page 8 of 15

More from Dutch Grand Prix

View all →

Processed at Aug 21, 2026 11:57