Just in:FIA announce late penalty on Ferrari star after …read more
FIA announce late penalty on Ferrari star after …read more
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has escaped a potential penalty following a dramatic late-race incident during the Imola Grand Prix. The FIA has issued an official statement confirming that no further action will be taken after Leclerc voluntarily gave back a position during the race.
The incident occurred in the final stages of the race as Leclerc was battling Williams driver Alex Albon for fourth place. The two engaged in a tight duel, and during the fight, Albon was pushed wide and ended up running through the gravel. As a result, he lost momentum and was overtaken by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who also managed to get past Leclerc shortly after.
Recognizing the potential for a penalty due to what appeared to be an illegal move, Ferrari instructed Leclerc to hand the position back to Albon. This strategic decision came before the FIA stewards could conclude their investigation into the clash between the two cars.
Following the race, the FIA confirmed that an investigation had been initiated into the incident, citing concerns that Leclerc, driving car number 16, may have forced Albon (car number 23) off the track at the exit of Turn 2. However, the investigation was discontinued midway after Leclerc gave the position back.
In an official statement, the FIA noted, “The stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing and in-car video evidence and determined that it was alleged that car 16 forced car 23 off the track at the exit of Turn 2. However, before we could conclude our investigations, car 16 voluntarily gave the position back to mitigate the alleged breach. In the circumstances, we took no further action.”
This quick response by Leclerc and Ferrari ensured that he avoided a time penalty or any other disciplinary action that might have further affected his finishing position. Leclerc ultimately crossed the line in sixth place, two positions behind his teammate Hamilton. The Ferrari duo had worked their way through the field after both started outside the top ten—Leclerc from 11th and Hamilton from 12th—due to a disappointing qualifying session.
While the late-race drama cost Leclerc a potential higher finish, the decision to give the position back avoided escalating the situation into a full penalty scenario. It was a calculated move that not only minimized the risk of losing more points but also demonstrated Ferrari’s and Leclerc’s awareness of race regulations and quick thinking under pressure.
This outcome adds another layer to an already eventful race weekend for Ferrari, as they continue their efforts to stay competitive in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Though the team was unable to secure a podium, the race showcased strong recovery drives from both drivers and offered some redemption following their qualifying struggles.
