Doc 59 - Decision - Car 5 Alleged driving under unsafe Conditions

Document 59 - Decision - Car 5 Alleged driving under unsafe Conditions

To: The Team Manager, Kick Sauber F1 Team From: The Stewards Date: 31 August 2025 Time: 20:47

Driver: 5 - Gabriel Bortoleto Competitor: Kick Sauber F1 Team Session: Race Fact: Failing to stop a car with significant and obvious damage. Infringement: Alleged breach of Article 26.10 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.

Decision

No further action.

Reason

1. Hearing and Evidence: The Stewards heard from the driver (Gabriel Bortoleto), team representative, and FIA representatives (Race Director and Sporting Director). Video, radio, and in-car video evidence were reviewed.
2. Incident Overview: On lap one, Car 5 (Gabriel Bortoleto) and Car 18 had a racing incident at Turn 12. Car 5's front wing end-plate was damaged, hanging but still connected.
3. Team's Action: Race Control informed the team of the issue. The team chose not to pit Car 5, believing the inboard horizontal wing element maintained structural integrity. No black and orange flag was displayed.
4. Subsequent Events: Several laps later, the end-plate detached and fell onto the track. Car 18 struck it but sustained no damage or consequences.
5. Applicability of Article 26.10:
   • Article 26.10 mandates a pit lane entry for significant and obvious damage to a structural component that poses an immediate risk.
   • The FIA Representatives confirmed that the end-plate is not considered a structural component, rendering Article 26.10 inapplicable in this case.
6. FIA Directive F1Tm/07-24: The Stewards also considered FIA directive F1Tm/07-24, which addresses when competitors should proactively address bodywork damage. This directive was deemed not applicable because the dislodgement of the wing element did not cause a race intervention or damage to other cars.

Conclusion: Based on the evidence and regulations, the Stewards decided to take no further action.

Competitors are reminded of their right to appeal decisions under Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.

Stewards:

• Nish Shetty
• Pedro Lamy
• Matthew Selley
• Natalie Corsmit