Doc 34 - Decision - Qualifying SC2-SC1 Times
Document 34 - Decision - Qualifying SC2-SC1 Times
Date: 06 December 2025 Time: 19:35
Overview
The Stewards have reviewed a report from the Race Director regarding several cars exceeding the 1:34.0 time limit between the Safety Car lines during Qualifying. This decision outlines the findings and the Stewards' resolution.
Infringement
Alleged breach of Article 33.4 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and Article 12.2.1 i) of the FIA International Sporting Code (non-compliance with the Race Director's Event Notes, item 1, document 19).
Fact
The following cars exceeded the 1:34.0 time limit between the Safety Car lines:
| No | Car | Driver | Competitor | Time of Day | Lap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 18:05:16 | L2 (Q1) |
| 2 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 18:05:22 | L2 (Q1) |
| 3 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team | 18:05:45 | L4 (Q1) |
| 4 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Formula 1 Team | 18:06:59 | L2 (Q1) |
| 5 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team | 18:07:54 | L5 (Q1) |
| 6 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber | 18:09:13 | L5 (Q1) |
| 7 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber | 18:09:24 | L5 (Q1) |
| 8 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Formula 1 Team | 18:18:33 | L7 (Q1) |
| 9 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Atlassian Williams Racing | 18:18:42 | L7 (Q1) |
| 10 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Atlassian Williams Racing | 18:18:58 | L7 (Q1) |
| 11 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team | 18:19:05 | L7 (Q1) |
| 12 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Oracle Red Bull Racing | 18:19:26 | L7 (Q1) |
| 13 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Formula 1 Team | 18:39:27 | L11 (Q2) |
| 14 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren Formula 1 Team | 18:39:36 | L11 (Q2) |
| 15 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team | 18:41:15 | L13 (Q2) |
Decision
No further action.
Reasons
The Stewards conducted a thorough review of various data sources, including:
- Marshalling/Positioning data
- Timing data
- On-board cameras
- CCTV cameras
Upon review, it was determined that all concerned drivers maintained speeds necessary to stay below the 1:34.0 limit for the majority of the circuit. Crucially, the Stewards found that drivers took appropriate actions to avoid impeding others. They significantly slowed down to allow other drivers clear track space. Therefore, the Stewards concluded that no driver drove "unnecessarily slowly" and that their exceeding the maximum time was a result of taking appropriate steps. Consequently, no further action is deemed necessary.
Note
Competitors are reminded of their right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, as per Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the specified time limits. The Stewards' decisions are independent of the FIA and are based solely on the presented regulations, guidelines, and evidence.
Stewards
- Garry Connelly
- Derek Warwick
- Mathieu Remmerie
- Mohammed Al Hashmi