F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton endures Imola setback as FIA announce Ferrari punishment due to…read more
F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton endures Imola setback as FIA announce Ferrari punishment due to…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated first race weekend in Italy as a future Ferrari driver hasn’t unfolded quite as he or the passionate Ferrari fans—known as the tifosi—had hoped. The seven-time World Champion, who is set to join the iconic Scuderia Ferrari team in 2025, arrived at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola with high expectations. However, Saturday’s qualifying session proved to be far from a dream scenario, as Hamilton struggled to find pace and was unable to secure a competitive starting position on the grid.
While Hamilton’s future with Ferrari continues to generate excitement and speculation, the focus of the day also shifted to another key figure in the current Ferrari setup—Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver was involved in an on-track incident during one of the practice sessions that caught the attention of the FIA stewards. Following an investigation into the matter, the FIA has now released an official verdict regarding the situation.
According to the stewards’ report, the incident under review involved Leclerc appearing to impede another driver during a fast lap, potentially affecting the session’s results. The FIA thoroughly examined telemetry data, radio communications, and video footage before reaching a decision. Although such investigations can often result in grid penalties or reprimands, especially if a driver is found guilty of unsportsmanlike behavior or failing to follow race procedures, the outcome in this case did not escalate to such consequences.
After careful consideration, the FIA decided not to issue a penalty to Leclerc. The stewards determined that while the situation was not ideal, there was insufficient evidence to prove that Leclerc acted deliberately or negligently in a way that warranted disciplinary action. Instead, the incident was noted as part of the regular monitoring of driver conduct and will serve as a reminder for all teams to ensure better communication during qualifying sessions.
This decision has likely brought some relief to Ferrari, who are already under immense pressure to perform well at their home race in Imola. With Hamilton’s future move to the team making headlines, the spotlight has never been brighter on Ferrari’s current lineup. Both Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz will be looking to deliver a strong result in front of the home crowd, even as the team manages the weight of expectations and the scrutiny of governing bodies.
As the race weekend continues, Ferrari fans remain hopeful that Sunday’s Grand Prix will offer a more positive outcome, with their drivers bouncing back and showing strong race pace, despite the earlier setbacks.
