The official FIA verdict on Charles Leclerc in Miami has arrived: here’s what has been decided.
It was a weekend that left a bitter taste for Ferrari fans and the Maranello team: the Italian outfit is working well and the upgrades have delivered, but the engine deficit (reportedly around 30 HP) is still too large to fight with Mercedes and McLaren.
What happened to Leclerc: the incidents
As if that wasn’t enough, Leclerc ended up under investigation for two separate types of infringements. The first concerns an alleged breach of Article B1.8.6 of the regulations, namely repeatedly leaving the track without a justifiable reason. The stewards accused the Ferrari driver of cutting several corners and gaining an advantage — not intentionally, but due to the damage sustained by his SF-26 after a spin into the barriers.
At the same time, the Monégasque driver was also investigated for a potential violation of Article 1.8.7, related to driving in unsafe conditions.
In addition to these technical and procedural infringements, Leclerc was also called to account for a contact with the Mercedes of George Russell at Turn 17, an incident that occurred just meters before the chequered flag.
The FIA’s final decision
Three separate incidents to evaluate: this is why the FIA likely took longer than usual to issue the final race verdict.
Now, however, the decisions are in: a heavy blow for Charles Leclerc, who receives a 20-second time penalty added after the race. As a result, the Monégasque driver drops to eighth place.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari
