Leclerc Avoids Penalty After Las Vegas Practice Incident

Charles Leclerc has been cleared by F1 stewards after an investigation into his conduct during Thursday practice in Las Vegas, avoiding a penalty. The Ferrari driver encountered a car issue that led to a late red flag, prompting a review of his actions upon exiting the vehicle.

Why it matters:

Leclerc's ability to avoid a penalty is crucial for Ferrari as they navigate the high-stakes Las Vegas Grand Prix. Any grid penalty or time deduction could significantly impact his starting position and race strategy, especially given the tight competition and the unique challenges of a new street circuit. This decision allows Ferrari to focus purely on performance without disciplinary distractions.

The details:

• Leclerc finished top in the initial practice session and secured third in FP2, demonstrating strong pace before the incident.
• During a late red flag restart, Leclerc pulled into an escape road, signaling an issue with his car, which subsequently ended his session early.
• The stewards investigated an alleged breach of Article 26.5 of the sporting regulations. This article typically concerns a driver's procedure when vacating the car, specifically related to replacing the steering wheel and turning off the ERS (Energy Recovery System).
• Driver's Explanation: Leclerc stated that he attempted to put the car in neutral before exiting but was unable to do so. He then switched off the car and left the cockpit.
• Marshal Interaction: Marshals tried to engage neutral without success. Leclerc then tried to re-engage the car's power to assist the marshals, but was initially stopped as marshals deemed the car unsafe.
• Resolution: Leclerc ultimately convinced the marshals the car was safe, then powered it off correctly, clarifying the situation and preventing further issues.

The big picture:

This incident highlights the complex protocols drivers must follow, even in high-pressure, unexpected situations on track. The stewards' decision to clear Leclerc indicates they accepted his explanation and recognized the extenuating circumstances. For Ferrari, maintaining momentum in practice without the setback of a penalty is vital as they aim for a strong showing in Las Vegas, a critical race for brand visibility and championship points.

What's next:

With the investigation concluded, Leclerc and Ferrari can now fully concentrate on qualifying and the race. The focus will shift to fine-tuning the car's setup and capitalizing on the promising pace shown in practice. The unique conditions of the Las Vegas street circuit, combined with the cold temperatures, will make strategy and flawless execution paramount for a successful weekend.