Glossary
Grid penalty
What it means
Places a driver loses on the starting grid relative to their qualifying position, for example for exceeding the engine-part allocation or for an offence in a previous session.
Related terms
PPole positionFirst place on the starting grid, for the fastest driver in qualifying (penalties aside).SStewardsAn independent panel of adjudicators appointed by the FIA to investigate racing incidents, technical…PParc ferméThe regime that starts with qualifying.
More from the glossary
AApexThe innermost point of the racing line through a corner, where the car clips the inside curb before…BBlisteringBlistering of the tyre caused by overheating inside the carcass, creating pockets of air that burst…BBlue flagA signal displayed to a lapped driver informing them that a faster lead-lap car is closing behind and must…BBox, boxAn urgent radio instruction from race engineer to driver ordering them to enter the pit lane on that lap…CChequered flagThe iconic black-and-white patterned flag waved across the finish line marking the official conclusion of…CChicaneA tight series of alternating, quick direction-change corners introduced to slow cars down on long…