Make the decision

Choose one answer per scenario, then review the explanation. Use the stated facts; do not assume extra instructions or infringements. This draft uses the FIA 2026 Sporting Regulations, Issue 09. Its scope is Formula 1 World Championship races, not junior categories or other racing series.

For further study, visit Formula 1 rules and penalties and penalty points.

Rules reference

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. Mira approaches double waved yellows during the race. Which response is required?
Answer and explanation

Slow significantly; prepare to divert or stop

B1.8.4(b) requires substantial slowing; a token lift is insufficient.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

2. Leo sees VSC ENDING, but the panels still show VSC. When may he resume racing?
Answer and explanation

When the panels turn green

B5.12.4 makes green the release signal; the message only announces it.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

3. The Safety Car has entered the pit entry road. Nia wants to pass a healthy rival on track before crossing the Control Line. No exception applies. Is this permitted?
Answer and explanation

No

B5.13.2(c) retains the restriction until crossing the Control Line; Safety Car departure alone is insufficient.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

4. Red flags suspend the race. Pit entry remains open, with no alternative instruction. Where should Arun go?
Answer and explanation

Proceed slowly to the pit lane

B5.14.2 requires pit-lane return; red flags do not instruct a roadside stop.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

5. Before resumption, Eva's car still lacks a fully fitted wheel at the five-minute signal. Which penalty applies?
Answer and explanation

Stop-and-go penalty

B5.15.2(b) specifies stop-and-go, not the ordinary five-second penalty.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

6. Tomas receives a five-second penalty and finishes classified without another pit stop. What happens?
Answer and explanation

Five seconds are added

B1.9.6(b)(ii) permits time addition; skipping further stops does not erase the penalty.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

7. During Sara's five-second penalty, a mechanic touches the car with a tool before the wait ends. Is that allowed?
Answer and explanation

No

B1.9.6(b)(iii) counts tool contact as work; replacing parts is not the test.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

8. Two drivers collide. Neither is clearly wholly or predominantly to blame, and no separate infringement is established. What follows?
Answer and explanation

Impose no incident penalty

B1.9.3 requires clear responsibility; contact alone does not justify penalising both.

Rule basis: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules.

Rule editions and sources

  • Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) · 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09, dated 1 October 2026 · 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races; edition-specific scenarios, excluding event-specific instructions and subsequent amendments. Not youth, karting or other formula-series rules. — FIA 2026 Formula 1 Regulations — Section B [Sporting], Issue 09