Rules & penalties · Updated for 2026
Virtual Safety Car explained
A race neutralisation that slows every car to a monitored delta without creating a physical queue.
Quick answer
Under VSC, each driver must stay above a prescribed minimum time through timing sectors. Gaps are broadly preserved because the field does not bunch behind a physical car.
The delta
The steering display shows whether the car is too fast relative to the required reference. A driver must remain compliant through the controlled period.
VSC versus Safety Car
A VSC applies a distributed speed reduction. A full Safety Car collects cars into a queue and is better suited to incidents needing a tightly controlled field.
Restart timing
Race control announces the ending phase, then track status returns to green. Drivers try to manage the delta without gaining an illegal advantage at the transition.