Infringement Car 27 Leaving The Track And Gaining An Advantage
British Grand Prix · 2026 · 4 July 2026 · Doc 46
- Driver
- Nico Hulkenberg
- Team
- Audi Revolut F1 Team
- Session
- Sprint
2026 BRITISH GRAND PRIX
03 - 05 July 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Audi Revolut F1 Team Document 46 Date 04 July 2026 Time 14:48
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (document 38) and heard from the driver and team representative, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 27 - Nico Hulkenberg Competitor Audi Revolut F1 Team Time 12:04
Session Sprint
Fact Car 27 left the track at Turn 9 at 12:04, without a justifiable reason, and gained a lasting advantage. Infringement Breach of Article B1.8.6 of the FIA F1 Regulations. Decision 5 second time penalty imposed after the Sprint. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 27 (Nico Hulkenberg), the team representative and reviewed video, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. On Lap 1, at Turn 9, Car 27 was defending position against Car 31. In doing so, Car 27 approached the corner with slightly higher speed than on comparable laps and left the track at the exit of Turn 9. The position was not conceded by Car 27 after leaving the track, although Car 31 passed Car 27 one lap later in a genuine overtaking manoeuvre. The driver of Car 27 explained that Car 31 attempted an overtake on the inside while turning in and that he sought to avoid a collision and leave room to Car 31. The Stewards accept that avoiding contact with Car 31 was a relevant factor and take that into account as mitigation. However, having reviewed the evidence, the Stewards determine that Car 27 carried excessive speed into the corner and that this was the primary reason why the car left the track. The Stewards therefore determine that Car 27 left the track and gained a lasting advantage by maintaining its position. In light of the mitigating circumstance that the driver was also seeking to avoid a collision with Car 31, the Stewards impose a 5 second time penalty. 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.