Just In: FIA announce penalty verdict for Ferrari star after late Inv… read more

Charles Leclerc will not face any penalty following a late-race clash with Alex Albon during Sunday’s 2025 Imola Grand Prix, the FIA has confirmed.

The incident occurred in the final laps as Leclerc and Albon battled for fourth place. At the Tamburello chicane, Leclerc slightly drifted wide at the second apex, leaving Albon with little room. As a result, Albon ran onto the gravel and lost momentum, allowing Lewis Hamilton to overtake both drivers and snatch fourth.

Fearing a penalty, Ferrari quickly instructed Leclerc to return the position he had just reclaimed from Albon. He did so before reaching Variante Alta, dropping to sixth behind both Hamilton and Albon.

The FIA reviewed GPS data, track reports, and video footage. In their statement, they noted that Leclerc gave the position back before the investigation concluded, which resolved the matter without the need for further action.

This kind of voluntary position return—called a “give-back”—is increasingly common under current rules and can prevent more severe penalties. Had Leclerc not done so, a time penalty might have pushed him out of the points.

Ultimately, Hamilton finished fourth, Albon fifth, and Leclerc sixth—an impressive recovery for Ferrari after a poor qualifying session. Despite starting 11th and 12th, the team used bold strategy and strong driving to salvage valuable points.

Albon, whose result marked Williams’ best of the season, commended Leclerc’s quick sportsmanship. He acknowledged that racing incidents happen, but appreciated the prompt correction.

For Leclerc and Ferrari, the moment highlights how critical split-second decisions are in today’s Formula 1—where strategy and awareness are as important as speed.