As Crash.net reports, the Formula 1 stewards have issued a fresh 'clarification of application of Driving Standards Guidelines' ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix on Sunday. This intervention arrives directly in the wake of opening-lap chaos at Turn 1 during the 2025 Mexico Grand Prix. During that race, both Charles Leclerc and George Russell cut the corner. In normal scenarios, it would have been expected that the duo would have been penalised. However, on this occasion, neither the Mercedes nor the Ferrari driver received any form of penalty.
That incident was far from an isolated occurrence. Chaos at the opening corners has proven to be a historic and controversial problem at the event. Now, the stewards have made an attempt to stamp out the issues ahead of the 2026 edition of the Mexico Grand Prix, ensuring there is no repeat of the antics from 2025.
A statement from the stewards regarding the opening lap was issued to all drivers and teams. It reads: “Applicable for this event, on Lap 1 and the first lap after any Resumption, in Turns 1 to 3, and Turns 4 to 6, all cars will, by default, be considered as both attacking and defending.”
The text continues with clear parameters for drivers pushing the limits. “Thus, in line with existing guidelines, any car leaving the track in these areas and maintaining a position to a car or cars within close proximity behind (as determined by the stewards) may be considered as gaining a lasting advantage, unless such position is yielded by Turn 4 [in the case of a car leaving the track in the area of Turn 1 to 3], or by Turn 12 [in the case of a car leaving the track in the area of Turns 4 to 6.]”
Away from the new guidelines, the grid is set for a fascinating battle. Lewis Hamilton will start the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix from pole position after he secured his 105th pole position in the sport. Meanwhile, championship leader Kimi Antonelli can win the title this weekend, but he will have to fight from fourth place on the grid in the Mercedes.
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