Overtaking During Safety Car Formation Lap

In Simple Terms

During the formation lap behind the safety car, drivers are allowed to overtake other cars, but only in specific situations—like if a car was delayed leaving the grid, has an obvious mechanical problem, or fell behind during the lap. The key rule: you can only pass to get back to your original starting position, not to gain an advantage.

• Overtaking is permitted only when a car is delayed (grid departure, mechanical issue, or during lap)
• Drivers may only overtake to restore their original starting order or pit exit order
• Multiple pit lane starters being delayed also allows overtaking to reposition
• Overtaking beyond restoring original position is not permitted