Formula 1
Formula 1 penalties and track limits: time penalties, drive-through and stop-go
Incidents can cost a lap time, grid positions or race time in Formula 1. This guide explains where the track ends and how the main sporting penalties are applied.
White lines define the edge of the track
Drivers must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times. A car is judged to have left it when no part remains in contact with the track: the white lines count as part of the track, but the kerbs do not. A driver may re-join only when it is safe and without gaining a lasting advantage.
Stewards can delete lap times or change grid positions
For incidents in a lap-time-classified session, the stewards may delete one or more lap times or drop a driver by a number of grid positions. In a race or Sprint they have a wider range of penalties, including time penalties, drive-through, stop-and-go, reprimands, grid drops, disqualification and suspension.
The common race penalties are served in different ways
A 5-second or 10-second penalty is served by stopping in the designated pit-stop position for at least that time. A drive-through requires entering the Pit Lane and rejoining without stopping. A stop-and-go requires at least ten seconds stationary. The car may not be worked on while the timed penalty is being served.
Some penalties become added race time at the end
If a 5-second, 10-second, drive-through or stop-and-go penalty is imposed after a timed session has ended, the regulations add 5, 10, 20 or 30 seconds respectively. Drive-through and stop-and-go penalties imposed in the final three laps can also be converted to 20 or 30 seconds. The stewards decide whether an incident deserves a penalty.