Breaking:FIA announce Charles Leclerc disqualification verdict following… read more
FIA announce Charles Leclerc disqualification verdict following… read more
Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc has narrowly avoided potential disqualification after his car underwent detailed inspections following the Spanish Grand Prix. The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) confirmed that Leclerc’s car passed all technical tests, particularly concerning the brake system, ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
After every Formula 1 race, the FIA selects one of the top ten finishers at random for comprehensive post-race inspections to ensure their cars meet all technical standards. For the Spanish Grand Prix, Leclerc’s car was chosen for these routine checks. The inspections involved a deep dive into various components, including the rear brake system—a crucial area that, if found non-compliant, could lead to disqualification.
The FIA particularly scrutinized the brake system to assess its conformity with Article 11.1.2 of the technical regulations. This rule mandates that the braking system must be designed to apply equal force on both sides of each axle, ensuring symmetrical braking performance. The regulation explicitly prohibits any system that can intentionally or systematically create uneven braking torque on either side of a given axle.
Had Leclerc’s brake system been found in breach of this regulation, it could have led to his disqualification from the Spanish Grand Prix results, stripping him of a valuable third-place finish. However, after thorough examination, the FIA found all parts of the braking system to be fully compliant. As a result, no penalties were imposed, and Leclerc’s podium finish remains intact.
This result comes as a relief to Ferrari, especially considering the team’s earlier troubles in the 2025 season. At the Chinese Grand Prix, both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified after their cars failed post-race technical checks. Leclerc’s car was found to be 1kg under the minimum weight limit of 800kg, while Hamilton’s car had excessive plank wear—just half a millimetre beyond the permitted threshold. The disqualifications cost both drivers their fifth and sixth-place finishes, respectively, and dealt a significant blow to Ferrari’s early championship campaign.
Had Leclerc been disqualified in Spain, the consequences would have been even more damaging, given his third-place podium finish in that race. The 27-year-old Monegasque has been instrumental in Ferrari’s strong form this season, securing three podium finishes so far in 2025. Together with his teammate Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc has helped elevate Ferrari to second place in the constructors’ standings, leapfrogging Mercedes and Red Bull.
With the Canadian Grand Prix looming, Ferrari can now focus fully on performance rather than compliance concerns. The FIA’s confirmation that Leclerc’s car met all technical requirements offers reassurance to the team and fans alike. It also underscores the strict standards upheld by the FIA to ensure a level playing field across the grid.
As the 2025 season continues, Ferrari will aim to maintain their momentum while staying vigilant about technical compliance—an area that has already proved critical in this highly competitive championship race.
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