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FIA Issues Verdict on Ferrari’s Leclerc After Late-Race Imola Incident
Charles Leclerc will face no penalty following a late-race incident with Williams’ Alex Albon during the 2025 Imola Grand Prix, the FIA has confirmed. According to the official statement, Leclerc’s decision to voluntarily relinquish a position to Albon was deemed sufficient to address the incident, eliminating the need for a formal investigation.
The clash occurred in the closing laps as Leclerc and Albon contested fourth place. Albon attempted an overtake at Turn 2 but was pushed wide, briefly running through the gravel and losing momentum. This allowed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton to pass both drivers and move into fourth place.
In an effort to preempt disciplinary action, Ferrari directed Leclerc to return the position to Albon. The FIA later acknowledged this move as adequate resolution.
Race stewards reviewed data from telemetry systems, onboard footage, timing logs, and video replays. “It was alleged that car 16 [Leclerc] forced car 23 [Albon] off the track at the exit of Turn 2,” their statement read. “However, before we could complete our investigation, car 16 voluntarily returned the position, mitigating the alleged breach. Therefore, no further action was taken.”
Leclerc’s prompt compliance helped him avoid a formal penalty, allowing him to finish sixth. Hamilton, who had started just behind him on the grid after a poor qualifying session for Ferrari, capitalized on the situation to finish ahead.
This scenario reflects a growing strategy among F1 teams to take immediate corrective action during races to avoid post-race sanctions. By acting swiftly and upholding fair racing standards, Ferrari safeguarded Leclerc’s result and preserved valuable championship points.
