Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Alex Albon has received an official reprimand from the stewards of the FIA following an investigation into a practice start incident during the opening session of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The Williams driver was summoned to the stewards after allegedly performing a practice start on the grid while another car was positioned directly ahead of him at the end of the sole free practice session.
The incident involved Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, who was located in front of Albon on the grid when the practice start procedure took place. Under Article B4.2.2c of the Formula 1 sporting regulations, drivers are prohibited from performing a practice start if another car is positioned ahead of them.
During the hearing, Albon reportedly admitted he had misjudged Antonelli’s actions while both drivers were carrying out the new start procedure introduced with the 2026 cars.
Albon explained that he had “misjudged” what Antonelli was going to do as the two drivers carried out the practice start sequence.
The Thai driver was surprised by the moment Antonelli launched from the grid and began his own start attempt. After recognising the situation, Albon quickly applied the brakes to stop the car.
Telemetry reviewed by the stewards confirmed that Albon immediately attempted to mitigate the situation once he realised the potential safety risk.
The stewards noted that the Williams driver took immediate action to reduce the risk once he recognised the mistake.
Taking into account the driver’s quick response and the fact that the 2026 cars feature a newly introduced launch procedure, the stewards opted to issue Albon with a reprimand rather than a sporting penalty.
The decision marks Albon’s first reprimand of the 2026 Formula 1 season and carries no grid penalty or additional sanctions for the remainder of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
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