Breaking: “FIA Orders Ferrari’s star to Return Position to Williams Driver After Late In… read more
“FIA Orders Ferrari’s star to Return Position to Williams Driver After Late In… read more
During the dramatic final laps of the 2025 Imola Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc found himself at the center of controversy following a heated on-track tussle with Williams driver Alex Albon. The incident in question occurred during a tense fight for fourth place, as both drivers pushed their cars to the limit in the race’s closing stages.
As Leclerc defended his position from Albon, the Ferrari driver made a move that ultimately forced Albon off the racing line at the exit of Turn 2. The Thai driver was sent into the gravel run-off area, momentarily losing control and traction. This off-track excursion allowed Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who was closely trailing the pair, to capitalize on the situation and overtake Albon for position. The move not only impacted Albon’s chances of securing fourth place but also raised immediate questions about whether Leclerc’s maneuver had been fair and within the regulations.
Following the race, the FIA race stewards promptly launched an investigation into the incident. However, the potential for a penalty or further action was diffused when Leclerc made the decision to voluntarily return the position to Albon. By handing the place back without prompting from the stewards, Leclerc effectively acknowledged that his defensive move may have exceeded acceptable limits. This action was seen as a sportsmanlike gesture and demonstrated Ferrari’s willingness to correct the incident without forcing intervention from the officials.
The FIA issued a formal statement confirming that no additional action would be pursued since Leclerc had already relinquished the position. The governing body emphasized that the matter was considered resolved, largely due to the driver’s prompt decision to undo the advantage gained during the incident.
While the return of position may have cost Leclerc a potential finish higher up the order, the decision also ensured that he avoided a time penalty or further disciplinary measures. For Ferrari, the outcome may have been slightly disappointing in terms of final race results, but it also helped preserve the team’s sporting reputation.
As for Alex Albon, the incident underscored his competitive form and determination, as he was able to recover from the off-track moment and continue his strong run in the points. The FIA’s handling of the matter highlights a broader effort to encourage drivers to self-correct when possible, reducing the need for time-consuming reviews or post-race penalties.
Overall, the late-race drama added a layer of intensity to what had already been an exciting Grand Prix, showcasing the razor-thin margins and split-second decisions that define modern Formula 1.
