JUST IN:FIA announce penalty verdict for….read more

The FIA has issued its final decision regarding Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s involvement in a controversial late-race moment during the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. The ruling comes after an intense battle involving Leclerc and Williams driver Alex Albon for fourth place, which saw both drivers involved in a dramatic incident.

In the closing stages of the race at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, the tension was high as Leclerc and Albon went wheel-to-wheel in an attempt to secure vital points. The pair were locked in a close battle, with Albon launching a move to overtake the Monegasque driver. As Albon made his move on the outside, there was contact between the two cars, which forced the Williams driver off the track and into the gravel.

Although Albon managed to keep his car under control and rejoined the track, the excursion cost him valuable time and allowed Lewis Hamilton, driving the second Ferrari, to capitalize and gain a position. Albon dropped down the order, losing what could have been a strong result for the Williams team. Immediately after the incident, the stewards confirmed they were investigating the altercation between Leclerc and Albon for possible wrongdoing.

After a thorough review, including analysis of onboard footage, team radio communications, and data from both cars, the FIA concluded that Leclerc would not be penalized for his role in the clash. According to the stewards, the incident was deemed a “racing incident”—a term commonly used to describe situations where no driver is predominantly at fault and the event is seen as part of the natural course of competitive racing.

The FIA’s official statement emphasized that while the maneuver was aggressive, it did not cross the threshold into being punishable. “Having reviewed all available footage and telemetry, the Stewards determine that no further action is warranted. The contact was the result of both drivers attempting to assert position in a competitive environment, and neither driver was deemed wholly or predominantly to blame,” the report said.

Leclerc responded to the verdict shortly after the announcement. “It was a tight fight with Alex,” he said. “I gave him just enough space, in my opinion, but when you’re racing at the limit, things like this can happen. I’m glad the stewards saw it as fair and left it at that.”

Williams, meanwhile, expressed mild disappointment over the outcome but confirmed they would not be seeking further review. A team spokesperson stated, “It’s obviously frustrating to lose out on potential points that way, but we accept the stewards’ decision. Alex drove a strong race and showed great composure under pressure.”

The incident sparked debate among fans and analysts, with opinions divided on whether Leclerc had been too forceful in defending his position. Some argued that Albon was entitled to more space and that Leclerc’s maneuver was overly aggressive, while others supported the stewards’ view that it was hard but fair racing between two competitive drivers.

The verdict allows Leclerc to retain his finishing position and the points he earned at Imola, providing a boost for Ferrari as the team continues to challenge for top honors in the 2025 Formula One season. The result also keeps the championship battle tight, with every point proving crucial in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings.

As the F1 circus now shifts its attention to the next round of the championship, all eyes will be on how teams and drivers respond following the controversial yet resolved incident at Imola. For Leclerc, it’s a matter of moving forward, while for Albon and Williams, it’s a case of regrouping and aiming to convert strong performance into solid points in the races ahead.