Analysis

FIA penalises three F2 teams for technical infringements

DAMS, Rodin Motorsport, and Trident received penalties ahead of the F2 season opener for illegal car modifications.

By Miika Rantanen·2026-08-19·276 words

The Formula 2 paddock faces an early season disruption following penalties issued to three teams. DAMS, Rodin Motorsport, and Trident received sanctions for technical infringements. The infractions occurred during pre-season testing in Barcelona. These penalties include grid drops and reduced testing time for six drivers. The FIA identified the modifications as breaches of technical and sporting regulations.

Technical Breaches Identified

Stewards determined that DAMS, Rodin Motorsport, and Trident drilled holes in their cars' diffusers. Airflow was directed to a sensor placed in this area. This setup measured air pressure. Teams used this sensor to gather data. This action modified a standard part, violating Article 10.2a of FIA Sporting Regulations. It also contravened Articles 1.5.2, 8.4.10, and 8.4.11 of F2’s Technical Regulations. Rodin Motorsport used the sensor on both cars. Alex Dunne and Amaury Cordee, who replaced Christian Mansell, were affected. Trident and DAMS used the sensor on one car each. Max Exterson and Jak Crawford drove these cars. Stewards attributed the gathered data to the entire team, penalising their second cars. This extends penalties to Sami Meguetounif of Trident and Kush Maini of DAMS.

Driver Penalties Imposed

The six implicated drivers will serve 10-place grid penalties. These apply to both the sprint and feature races in Australia. Additionally, the drivers will have reduced participation in the Bahrain in-season test. Each driver will receive one fewer day of testing. Stewards also recommended that the Technical Delegate issue a bulletin. This bulletin would permit other teams to apply for permission to use similar sensors during the Bahrain test. However, DAMS, Rodin Motorsport, and Trident will not be eligible for such applications.

Status And Sources

This story is labelled Analysis, which means this is our reading of facts that are already established. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Miika Rantanen.

Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:

• Crash.netcrash.net

Miika Rantanen

Junior ladder analyst · Turku, Finland

Miika Rantanen lives in Turku. He works as a data analyst for a logistics firm in the city. At home, he plays bass in a covers band. They perform at weddings and other private events around Southwest Finland. Motorsport is his serious pursuit outside of work.

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