Just in:FIA announce HUGE Ferrari penalty in major title twist at….read more
FIA announce HUGE Ferrari penalty in major title twist at….read more
In a dramatic twist at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari has been hit with a major setback as the FIA imposes a significant penalty on one of their star drivers, Charles Leclerc. The penalty is set to shake up the final race of the season, as Ferrari’s hopes of clinching the Constructors’ Championship take a hit with Leclerc facing a 10-place grid drop.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for the Scuderia, as they are in the midst of a tense battle for the title. Heading into the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari trail McLaren by just 21 points. With the Constructors’ Championship still up for grabs, the race promises to be an intense showdown, especially after McLaren’s Lando Norris received a major 10-second stop/go penalty in the previous race. Norris’ penalty opened the door for Ferrari to make up ground in the standings, but now they face their own challenge.
The penalty against Leclerc stems from a breach of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, specifically Article 28.2. This regulation deals with power unit component changes and how teams must adhere to specific protocols when making such adjustments. In Leclerc’s case, his car required a battery pack change, which was completed following the first practice session (FP1) at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Monegasque driver had already encountered problems during the session, which saw him join the track 25 minutes late due to issues with his car in the garage.
Despite the late start, Leclerc had made a strong impression during FP1, securing an impressive performance that drew attention. He also shared the track with his brother, Arthur Leclerc, making history as the first pair of brothers to compete alongside each other in an F1 session for the same team. However, this historic moment was overshadowed by the penalty that was handed down after the session concluded. Ferrari’s misfortune continued as it was confirmed that the changes to Leclerc’s car resulted in a 10-place grid penalty for the driver, who will now have to fight from the back of the grid to secure crucial points for Ferrari’s championship challenge.
The FIA’s official document clarifying the penalty stated that the change to the battery pack violated specific regulations regarding component changes. This rule breach is a significant blow to Ferrari’s plans for the final race of the season. With Leclerc’s grid penalty in place, the pressure is on his teammate, Carlos Sainz, to perform at a high level and score as many points as possible in the race, helping Ferrari to bridge the gap to McLaren.
Leclerc’s penalty could have far-reaching consequences for Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship aspirations. With only a small margin separating them from McLaren, every position will count. The team’s strategy for the race will likely need to be adjusted to account for the challenge of recovering from Leclerc’s grid drop. While Ferrari will undoubtedly work to support their drivers, the penalty has placed them in a difficult situation, where they now must rely on a combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck to overcome this disadvantage.
The news of the penalty has sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock, with fans and pundits alike reacting to the twist in the title battle. Ferrari, who have been building momentum throughout the season, will now need to adapt quickly if they want to salvage their hopes of securing the coveted Constructors’ title. With just one race left in the season, every point counts, and the Scuderia will have to dig deep to overcome this latest hurdle.
As the 2024 Formula 1 season comes to a close, all eyes will be on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With Ferrari facing this tough penalty, McLaren will look to capitalize on the opportunity to extend their lead. Meanwhile, Leclerc will have to summon all his skill and determination to recover from the grid penalty and help his team keep the fight alive until the very last lap. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to what has been a captivating F1 season.
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