Rules & penalties · Updated for 2026
Impeding in F1 qualifying explained
How a slow car can interfere with a timed lap and why the stewards may impose a grid penalty.
Quick answer
Impeding occurs when a driver unnecessarily interferes with another driver's fast lap. Stewards consider positioning, speed, team warnings and whether the affected car had to abandon or compromise its attempt.
The speed difference
A car preparing tyres can be dramatically slower than a car on a qualifying lap. Mirrors, radio messages and track positioning are essential to keeping the closing path clear.
What the stewards review
Onboard video, telemetry, radio communication and the location of both cars show whether the slower driver had reasonable warning and a safe alternative.
Managing traffic
Drivers also have minimum-time and safe-driving obligations, so they cannot simply crawl around to create a gap. Teams must balance preparation with the rights of cars already pushing.