Offence Car 16 Unsafe Condition
Time 19:55 2019 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 10 - 13 October 2019 The Stewards Title Championship Points Description Championship Points · 2019 · 13 October 2019 · Doc 40
- Driver
- Charles Leclerc
- Team
- Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow
- Session
- Race
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow
Document 40
Date 13 October 2019 Time 18:05 2019 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 10 - 13 October 2019 The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (document 35) and heard from the driver and team representative, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 16 - Charles Leclerc Competitor Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow Time 14:14
Session Race
Fact Continuing to drive the car in an unsafe condition after an incident on lap 1. Offence Breach of Article 22.11. FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Decision Ten second time penalty imposed after the race in accordance with Article 38.3 d) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. (10 seconds added to elapsed race time) The competitor (Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow) are fined €25,000. Reason The Stewards reviewed audio and video evidence, heard from the driver of car 16 (Charles Leclerc), and team representative. Car 16 received front wing damage in an incident on lap 1 at turn 2. The car continued on after the incident and did not pit at the end of lap 1. During lap 2, anticipating a call about the car, the team told the Race Director they were calling the car into the pits at the end of lap 2. During lap 2, at turn 11 one section of the front wing detached from the car. Later on that lap, after turn 14 a larger section of front wing detached from car 16 and impacted car 44 which was closely following car 16. This piece of wing narrowly avoided an impact in the area of the cockpit of car 44 and destroyed the right-side mirror of car 44. After this second piece detached, the team felt the car was now in a safe condition and despite previously telling the Race Director that the car would be called to the pits, they told car 16 to remain out and not to pit. On lap 3 the Race Director called the team and directed the car be brought to the pits for inspection. Car 16 pitted at the end of lap 3. By not bringing car 16 into the pits at the end of lap 1, immediately after the incident for a safety inspection when there was damage clearly visible and then by telling the driver to remain out for an additional lap after telling the Race Director otherwise, the team created an unsafe condition on the circuit which only narrowly avoided being a major incident and also increased the likelihood of additional incidents after the one noted. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Article 9.1.1 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.