Document 46 - Decision - Qualifying SC2-SC1 Times

Date: 07 March 2026 Time: 19:46

Session Details

• Session: Qualifying

Fact

Several F1 cars exceeded the 1:37.0 time limit between the Safety Car lines during qualifying.

Drivers Concerned

Infringement

Alleged breach of Article B1.8.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations and Article 12.2.1i of the FIA International Sporting Code (non-compliance with the Race Director's Competition Notes, item 1, document 29).

Decision

No further action.

Reasons

The Stewards thoroughly reviewed marshalling/positioning data, timing data, and on-board cameras.

• General Finding: Except for Car 5 (Gabriel Bortoleto), all drivers maintained speeds necessary to stay below the 1:37.0 limit for most of the circuit. In all cases, the Stewards found that drivers took appropriate actions to avoid impeding others and slowed down significantly to allow other drivers to pass, providing a clear track. They were not deemed to have driven "unnecessarily slowly."
• Car 5 (Gabriel Bortoleto): This driver experienced a mechanical failure, which prevented him from maintaining the required speed.

Therefore, the Stewards determined that all drivers concerned took appropriate steps and were above the maximum time for valid reasons. No further action will be taken.

Note to Competitors

Competitors are reminded of their right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards within the applicable time limits, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.

Decisions by the Stewards are independent of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines, and evidence presented.

Stewards:

• Nish Shetty
• Pedro Lamy
• Mathieu Remmerie
• Matthew Selley