Mercedes has recorded its second Formula 1 curfew breach of the 2026 season ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, although the FIA has confirmed that the team will face no penalty. The incident occurred before the opening practice session in São Paulo, with several Mercedes mechanics remaining at the circuit during a restricted 13-hour period. The team has used another of its six permitted curfew exemptions.
The development comes at a significant moment for Mercedes, which arrives in Brazil with the opportunity to secure the 2026 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship. Just one week after Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated his maiden Drivers’ World Championship, the Brackley-based outfit could complete a title double and reclaim the Constructors’ crown for the first time since 2021.
Mercedes breaks FIA curfew ahead of 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix
Mercedes’ preparations for the São Paulo Grand Prix began with an infringement of Formula 1’s curfew regulations before any competitive running had taken place. The incident represents the team’s second such occurrence of the 2026 championship, following an earlier curfew breach at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The matter was communicated through an official FIA notice issued by technical delegate Jo Bauer before the start of the first free practice session. According to the document, members of Mercedes’ car operations personnel remained inside the Interlagos circuit during a restricted period lasting 13 hours.
Despite the breach, the FIA confirmed that no further action would be required because Mercedes had not exceeded the number of permitted exceptions under the sporting regulations.
FIA explains why Mercedes will not receive a penalty
The FIA provided a detailed explanation of the circumstances, specifying the period during which Mercedes personnel had remained at the circuit and why the team would not be punished.
The official statement read:
“On Wednesday evening, some members of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team personnel involved in the operation of the car remained within the circuit during a thirteen-hour period starting at 18:30 on 4 November – forty-two hours before the scheduled start of FP1 – and ending at 07:30 on 5 November, twenty-nine hours before the start of FP1.
“This was the second of six individual exceptions permitted to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team during the 2026 Formula One World Championship season; therefore, no further action is necessary.”
The explanation establishes that Mercedes has now used two of its six available exceptions for the championship. With the number remaining within the permitted allowance, the breach does not result in a sporting penalty.
How Formula 1 curfew rules apply to Mercedes
Formula 1’s curfew regulations, imposed by the FIA, establish specific periods during which team personnel must not be present at the circuit. Staff are required to leave the venue by a designated time in the evening and cannot return before the permitted time the following morning.
The regulations apply to all teams, including Mercedes, and restrict the hours during which personnel can remain at the circuit. However, the rules also provide a limited number of exceptions during the championship, allowing teams to exceed the restrictions on certain occasions without automatically receiving a penalty.
In Mercedes’ case, the Interlagos incident falls within that permitted allowance. The FIA therefore considers the matter closed, with no sanction necessary before the team begins its Brazilian Grand Prix programme.
Mercedes can consequently turn its attention towards the action on track as it pursues another important achievement in its successful 2026 campaign. With Andrea Kimi Antonelli already crowned world champion, the possibility of securing the Constructors’ Championship at Interlagos would give the team its first double world championship success since 2020.
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