Decision Car 16 Alleged Failure To Follow Race Directors Instructions Sc2 Sc1 Time
Chinese Grand Prix · 2025 · 21 March 2025 · Doc 27
- Driver
- Charles Leclerc
- Team
- Scuderia Ferrari HP
- Session
- Sprint Qualifying
2025 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
21 - 23 March 2025
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Scuderia Ferrari HP Document 27 Date 21 March 2025 Time 18:44
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (document 19) 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 HP Time 15:57 Session Sprint Qualifying Fact Car 16 exceeded the time limit between the Safety Car lines. Infringement Alleged breach of Article 33.4 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and noncompliance with Race Director's Event Note (item 2, document 11). Decision No further action. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, and in-car video evidence and determined as follows: Both LEC and HAM commenced their preparation laps close to each other. HAM followed LEC closely and LEC had STR ahead of him on a preparatory lap. LEC had to wait for STR to commence his push lap and in the meantime, LEC was overtaken by HAM on the orders of the team. LEC at all times maintained a reasonable speed and ultimately sought to create a reasonable gap behind HAM. All of this was done in an orderly fashion and no car behind LEC was affected by this. Therefore, LEC did not impede other drivers and gained no sporting advantage by his course of action. The Stewards therefore determine that LEC did not drive "unnecessarily slowly", and that evidently the reason he was above the maximum time was due to his appropriate actions and take no further action.
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 Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits. Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.