2026 Italian Grand Prix - Race Director's Competition Notes V2

Document 48 From: The FIA Formula 1 Race Director (Rui Marques) To: All Teams, All Officials

📋 General Instructions

1. Qualifying & Reconnaissance Laps Maximum Time: Drivers must not exceed the maximum time from Safety Car Line 2 to Safety Car Line 1. Investigated after Qualifying or Race.
2. Lapping during the Race: Faster cars approaching slower cars will trigger warnings (3.0s pre-warning, 1.2s blue light/cockpit lights). Slower cars must yield at the first available opportunity.
3. Safety Car Restart: Per Article B5.13.6, no erratic acceleration/braking after orange lights are extinguished.
4. ERS Safety Check: Umbilical must be connected every morning after covers are removed under parc fermé.
5. Pit Lane Safety: Article B1.6.2c applies until all cars complete the race. Message will be sent when general access is restored.
6. Lap Times: Only track-completed laps count for classification.
7. Starting Procedure: Grid lights flash blue for 5 seconds with "Pre-Start" message before standard sequence.
8. Finishing the Race: The "Line" is the Control Line on the track, not in the pit lane.
9. Double Waved Yellow Flag: Lap time deleted if passed during Free Practice.

🏁 Competition Specific Instructions

• Marshalling System: Pit lane entry/exit subjects cars to sector flags until passing the blue line.
• Practice Starts: Allowed in designated boxes on the right-hand side of the pit exit road during Free Practice. Specific rules apply for FP2 and reconnaissance laps.
• Fast Lane Rules: Cars must form a line in the fast lane and blend safely without impeding others.
• Weighing: Drivers must proceed directly to FIA scales after Q1/Q2 or if stopping on track. Top 10 must go immediately.
• Track Limits (Turn 11): Failing to negotiate Turn 11 results in the lap time and immediately following lap time being invalidated.
• Escape Roads:
  • Turn 1 - Turn 2: Must go around polystyrene block rows.
  • Turn 4 - Turn 5: Must stay right of the yellow line and bollard if missing Turn 4.
• Circuit Changes:
  • New asphalt patch at Turn 2.
  • New wall and debris fence on the left of main straight.
  • New negative kerbs before Turns 1, 4, and 8.
  • Gravel bed at Turn 5 LHS partially replaced by asphalt.
  • New natural grass at Turn 9 apex.
  • New fences between Turns 10 and 11.
  • Pit exit white line shortened.