Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin and McLaren let off by the FIA

04:08, 21 Mar 2025
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As many as four teams worked longer than permitted during the night from Wednesday to Thursday. However, Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren and Red Bull Racing avoided a warning due to unique circumstances at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Normally, F1 teams are allowed to use four jokers in a season to continue working on the car for longer. In that case, the so-called 'Curfew' is broken and the team loses a joker. Each team can do this four times per season.

Top teams lucky in China

The FIA first reported the broken curfew on Thursday morning, stating that the four teams involved lost the first of four jokes. A few hours later, however, a report followed that the teams were allowed to keep their jokers after all due to special circumstances.
Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing were all delayed in their preparation by logistical problems. The delivery of their parts from Australia to China was delayed, which meant the teams could not make it within the time, which is why the stewards made an exception and the teams do not have to use a joker.
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This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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Japanese Grand Prix
Overview
Upcoming race
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
Sat 02:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
Sun 05:00 AM

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