Doc 97 - Infringement - Car 16 - Leaving the track multiple times and driving in an unsafe condition
Infringements/Decisions
Summary of Decision
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver | 16 - Charles Leclerc |
| Competitor | Scuderia Ferrari HP |
| Session | Race |
| Fact | Car 16 left the track on several occasions without a justifiable reason. |
| Infringement | Breach of Article B1.8.6 of the FIA F1 Regulations. |
| Decision | Drive through penalty imposed after the Race (20 seconds added to elapsed Race time). |
Reasoning
The Stewards reviewed data from the marshalling system, video evidence, team radio, and heard from Charles Leclerc and the team representative.
- Incident Details: On the last lap at Turn 3, Car 16 spun and hit the wall but continued. The driver reported that the car felt fine except for difficulty negotiating right-hand corners.
- Track Advantage: Due to this mechanical issue, the driver cut multiple chicanes on the way to the finish line. The Stewards determined that cutting these chicanes resulted in a lasting advantage.
- Justification: A mechanical issue does not constitute a 'justifiable reason' for repeatedly leaving the track to gain an advantage.
- Safety Consideration: The Stewards also investigated if the car was driven in an unsafe condition (discernible mechanical issue). They concluded there was no evidence of an 'obvious' issue that would require further action beyond the track limit infringement.
Competitors are reminded of their right to appeal certain decisions under Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code.