FIA announce HUGE Ferrari penalty in major title twist at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…Read more
FIA announce HUGE Ferrari penalty in major title twist at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Ferrari faces a significant setback ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc has been handed a 10-place grid penalty by the FIA.
The penalty comes at a critical time, with Ferrari trailing McLaren by just 21 points in the constructors’ championship, setting up a dramatic season finale.
Leclerc’s penalty stems from a breach of Article 28.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations following a battery pack change on his car after the first practice session (FP1).
The penalty puts Ferrari at a disadvantage as they strive to close the gap to McLaren and claim the championship title.
The announcement followed an eventful FP1 session, where Leclerc and his younger brother, Arthur Leclerc, made history as the first siblings to participate in the same F1 session for the same team.
However, Charles faced delays, joining the session 25 minutes late due to issues with his Ferrari in the garage.
Despite these challenges, the Monegasque driver delivered a strong performance in the limited time available.
This penalty comes after McLaren’s Lando Norris received a 10-second stop/go penalty during the previous race, keeping the championship battle on a knife’s edge.
Now, Ferrari must overcome this latest hurdle to bring home crucial points in their pursuit of the title.
The FIA’s official document confirmed the grid penalty, citing the unauthorized battery change as the reason.
With the Yas Marina Circuit hosting the decisive race, Leclerc’s demotion presents a challenging task for Ferrari as they aim to end the season on a high note.
The team will need a stellar performance on Sunday to keep their championship hopes alive in what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the season.
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