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Lance Stroll learns Australian GP fate as FIA '107%' decision made

Photo: Race Pictures

10:21, 07 Mar

byHenry Eccles

Lance Stroll will be able to compete in the 2026 F1 season opener in Melbourne, after the FIA ruled on the rare '107%' qualifying stipulation.

According to the rule, no driver is allowed to exceed 107% of the fastest time set in Q1 during qualifying. Failure to go fast enough in this period can result in the driver being barred from the race, unless they can prove their pace through earlier practice sessions.

Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, who crashed out in Q1, were both unable to set a lap time, but could point to earlier lap times more easily than Stroll, who has suffered limited mileage and poor lap times in practice.

Stroll clear to race, FIA confirm

Photo: Race Pictures

However, the FIA have cleared Stroll for Sunday's Grand Prix, due to "compelling" evidence that the AMR26 is fit to run.

In a lengthy statement, the FIA set out their reasoning:

The Competitor brought the following matters to the attention of the Stewards in seeking permission:

• The driver of the second car from the team, Car 14, Fernando Alonso, demonstrated that the AMR26 was capable of qualifying within 107% of the fastest qualifying time;

• The driver of Car 18, Lance Stroll:

. has completed a total of 859km so far this year in the AMR26;

. has competed in 178 F1 World Championship Grands Prix since making his debut in 2017;

. has competed in seven Australian Grand Prix races, achieving classification in six of those events,with a best result of 4th place in 2023, demonstrating significant familiarity with the circuit and its operational requirements has scored 325 career World Championship points, including podium finishes and one pole position.

•The team also highlighted that they took the decision to not have Car 18 participate in Qualifying, due to a damaged oil line in the car, out of prudence, to enable them to undertake further investigations.

Taking into account the reasons set out above, which the Stewards consider to be compelling, the Stewards grant permission for Car 18, Lance Stroll, to start the Race. The car will be placed on the grid in accordance with Article B2.5.4 of the FIA F1 Regulations.

Mercedes learns stewards' verdict after post-Q3 investigation in Australia

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli was also under investigation after his W17 was released with cooling components still on the car, putting the Silver Arrows' dominant one-two qualifying at risk.

Read here for the final verdict.