Rules & penalties · Updated for 2026
The F1 Race Director explained
The official responsible for controlling sessions, safety procedures and the operational use of the circuit.
Quick answer
The Race Director has overriding authority over the running of practice, qualifying, Sprints and races, including session control and major safety procedures. Suspected infringements can be referred to the stewards, who make the adjudicative decision.
Operational control
The Race Director coordinates the timetable, start procedure, session stoppages and use of neutralisation systems with the Clerk of the Course, marshals and race-control team.
Safety decisions
Changing conditions, debris, damaged barriers or recovery work may require yellow flags, a Virtual Safety Car, the Safety Car or a red flag. The applicable procedure then governs every competitor.
Not the penalty panel
Race control can note an incident and refer it for investigation, but the stewards assess the alleged breach and publish the decision. Keeping those functions distinct is essential to understanding official messages.