A team faces a significant penalty following a safety breach involving the use of an incorrect jack during a car lift, officials confirmed. The incident, which occurred on February 22, 2026, has sparked debate within motorsport, with stewards demanding a “significant penalty” to underscore the importance of safety protocols.
The core issue centers on the failure to utilize incompressible jacks, as mandated by long-standing safety regulations. Air jacks, while convenient, carry an unacceptable risk of deflation, potentially leading to serious injury for mechanics working under a vehicle. This isn’t a new concern, as guidance from CAF Online highlighted the responsibility of stewards to report health and safety hazards as early as July 2024.
“The Stewards are not satisfied that the Team’s explanation is any way mitigatory,” a statement read. “The Rule requiring the use of incompressible jack is very long standing and is of critical importance in managing a significant safety risk to personnel working under a Car, especially when It’s lifted on air jacks. This incident represents a significant safety breach and demands a penalty which sends a clear message to all Teams that under no circumstances can the safety of personnel be compromised.”
The incident echoes the critical role of stewards in implementing safety policies, as emphasized by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA), who identify stewards as “amongst the most critical staff members” at any sporting venue. While this particular breach occurred in motorsport, the principles of prioritizing safety and ensuring qualified personnel are universally applicable. Experienced, qualified, and competent personnel are non-negotiable in safety-critical roles, and the stewards’ call for a substantial penalty aims to send a clear message to the entire industry.
