Article D9.6.6.1

Burden and Standard of Proof

Financial Regulations

Article D9.6.6.1

FIA Source

Burden and Standard of Proof

Chapter: D9

In Simple Terms

The FIA must prove a rule breach with solid evidence that's more convincing than a coin flip but doesn't need to be absolutely certain. However, teams only need to prove their facts by showing it's more likely than not.

  • The FIA has a higher burden of proof than teams - they must convince the judges with strong evidence
  • The standard is 'comfortable satisfaction': stronger than 50/50 odds but not 100% certainty
  • Teams defending themselves only need to show their version is more probable than not
  • This protects teams from unfair penalties while ensuring FIA can enforce rules with credible evidence
Official FIA Text

The FIA has the burden of establishing breach to the comfortable satisfaction of the judging panel, greater than balance of probability but less than beyond reasonable doubt. F1 Teams prove facts by balance of probability.

burden of proofcomfortable satisfactionbalance of probabilityfia evidencerule breach
2026 Season Regulations