Article B5.10.8
Standing Start After Safety Car Formation Lap
Sporting Regulations
Article B5.10.8
Standing Start After Safety Car Formation Lap
Chapter: B5
In Simple Terms
If the track dries out enough during safety car laps, the FIA signals a standing start by sending the 'STANDING START' message and turning off the safety car's orange lights. The lead car can then slow down as much as needed to let the field spread out before everyone returns to their grid positions for a proper race restart.
- Standing start is initiated when track conditions improve sufficiently after safety car formation laps
- The first car behind the safety car has the freedom to dictate pace and create gaps larger than normally allowed
- Pit exit is closed and safety car lights are extinguished to signal the restart procedure
- All cars return to their original grid positions before the standing start begins
Official FIA Text
If track conditions become suitable for standing start after safety car formation lap(s), message 'STANDING START' sent, pit exit closed, safety car orange lights extinguished. First car behind safety car may dictate pace and fall back exceeding maximum gap if necessary. Cars then return to grid positions.
standing startsafety carformation laptrack conditionsgrid positions
2026 Season Regulations