Doc 31 - Decision - Car 1 - Alleged failure to follow Race Director's Instructions (SC2-1 Time)

Document 31 - Decision - Car 1 - Alleged failure to follow Race Director's Instructions (SC2-1 Time)

To: All Officials, All Teams

From: The Stewards

Date: 01 May 2026

Time: 19:50

Summary of the Incident

The Stewards received a report from the Race Director (document 26) and heard from the driver and team representative regarding an alleged failure to follow Race Director's Instructions during Sprint Qualifying.

Session

Sprint Qualifying

Fact

The F1 car exceeded the 1:48.0 time limit between the Safety Car lines.

Infringement

Alleged breach of Article B1.8.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations and Article 12.2.1.i of the FIA International Sporting Code (non-compliance with the Race Director's Competition Notes, item 1, document 20).

Decision

No Further Action

Reasons

The Stewards thoroughly reviewed the data, timing data, and on-board camera footage.

Car 1 (Lando Norris) failed to stay below the required delta time as stipulated by the Race Director's Competition Notes. Car 1 was within the approved delta time for almost the whole lap until just before Turn 17, where he was suddenly passed by Car 27. That then forced Car 1 to react to create a necessary and appropriate gap to set up a push lap.

The Stewards considered this an extenuating circumstance and determined that he did not drive unnecessarily slowly.

Note

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

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

Stewards

• Nish Shetty
• Natalie Corsmit
• Vitantonio Liuzzi
• Steve Pence