Summary
Several drivers had lap times deleted for not using the track at Turns 9, 13, 14, and 17 during Free Practice 1.
Explanation
During Free Practice 1, multiple drivers failed to use the track at Turns 9, 13, 14, and 17, leading to the deletion of their lap times. The Stewards cited breaches of Appendix L Chapter IV Article 2c (International Sporting Code), Article B1.8.6 of the F1 Sporting Regulations, and applied Article 12.4.1.e of the ISC to delete the affected lap times. Appeals rights were noted but are not part of the substantive decision.
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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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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);
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Pages 56–57 highlighted
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