Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
F1 clarifies track-limit rules for opening laps at Mexico GP
F1 stewards issued new driving guidance before the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix.
The rules cover the opening lap and the first lap after a restart, in several groups of corners.
Cars will be treated as attacking and defending in those areas, the stewards told teams and drivers.
A car that leaves the track and keeps a place ahead of a nearby rival may be judged to have gained a lasting advantage.
Drivers may have to give that place back by a specified later corner, depending on where they left the track.
The guidance follows the 2025 race, when Charles Leclerc and George Russell cut a corner on the opening lap but received no penalty.
The clarification aims to prevent a repeat of that controversy, with the 2026 race due to take place on Sunday.
F1 stewards have clarified how track limits will be applied in the opening laps of the Mexico Grand Prix.
On Lap 1 and the first lap after any resumption, cars in Turns 1 to 6 will be treated as both attacking and defending.
A car that leaves the track and keeps a position ahead of nearby cars may be judged to have gained a lasting advantage.
The clarification follows the 2025 race, when Charles Leclerc and George Russell cut Turn 1 but were not penalised.
Lewis Hamilton will start the 2026 race from pole, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start fourth.
- Who
- F1 stewards issued the clarification to all drivers and teams.
- What
- They clarified how track limits and lasting advantage will be assessed in opening-lap incidents.
- When
- Ahead of the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday. The guidance applies on Lap 1 and the first lap after any resumption.
- Where
- Turns 1 to 6 at the Mexico Grand Prix circuit.
- Why
- The stewards aim to prevent a repeat of the opening-corner issues seen at the 2025 race.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Charles Leclerc and George Russell cut Turn 1 on the opening lap and received no penalties.
The stewards issued a driving standards clarification to all drivers and teams.
Lewis Hamilton is set to start from pole position and Kimi Antonelli from fourth.
- Scope
- Lap 1 and first lap after any resumption
- Turns covered
- Turns 1 to 6
- 2025 incident
- Charles Leclerc and George Russell cut Turn 1
- Hamilton
- Pole position for the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix
- Antonelli
- Fourth on the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix grid
What people are saying
Applicable for this event, on Lap 1 and the first lap after any Resumption, in Turns 1 to 3, and Turns 4 to 6, all cars will, by default, be considered as both attacking and defending.