Ferrari hit with FIA summons after Chinese Grand Prix sprint qua…. read more
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has been summoned by the FIA stewards following an alleged rule violation during sprint qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix. Leclerc, along with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, is accused of breaching a new regulation aimed at preventing excessively slow driving during certain laps of sprint qualifying. The summons comes after the stewards observed incidents where both drivers may have failed to adhere to a maximum lap time restriction introduced to maintain fair and safe competition.
The FIA’s move follows an updated directive that was issued prior to Friday’s sprint qualifying session at the Shanghai International Circuit. The rule stipulates that drivers must adhere to a minimum speed on specific laps, such as warm-up, cool-down, or reconnaissance laps, to avoid creating dangerous situations or interfering with other drivers who are on flying laps. The updated regulation has been introduced to ensure drivers do not excessively slow down at critical times, particularly when others are attempting to set competitive lap times during qualifying.
The directive specifies that all drivers are required to complete laps between the two designated safety car lines on the track without exceeding a maximum lap time of 1 minute and 54 seconds. This requirement is applicable during all warm-up and cool-down laps throughout sprint qualifying sessions, as well as during reconnaissance laps when the pit lane is open for the sprint race or the Grand Prix itself. The FIA clarified that this rule is intended to reduce the risk of drivers backing up the field unnecessarily, which could lead to unsafe track conditions or impede competitors.
The governing body issued a statement outlining the regulation: “In order to ensure that cars are not driven unnecessarily slowly on any laps during and after the end of sprint qualifying, qualifying or during reconnaissance lap(s) when the pit exit is open for the sprint or the race, drivers must stay below 1:54.0 between the safety car lines shown on the pit lane drawing.” This time limit is now a mandatory guideline and applies to all competitors throughout the sprint qualifying process.
With Leclerc and Stroll now summoned to appear before the stewards, they risk facing penalties if found guilty of breaching this newly enforced rule. Such penalties could range from time penalties to grid drops ahead of the sprint race or the main Grand Prix on Sunday, depending on the stewards’ evaluation of the incidents and whether mitigating factors are considered.
Both Leclerc and Stroll were seen driving slowly on out-laps during the sprint qualifying session, which likely triggered the FIA’s decision to investigate the matter further. The concern is that driving at such a reduced pace could potentially disrupt the flow of the session, particularly as other drivers attempt to complete fast laps. In qualifying sessions, maintaining clear track conditions is vital, as cars traveling at vastly different speeds can create both competitive disadvantages and safety risks.
This clampdown is part of the FIA’s ongoing efforts to tighten regulations around qualifying conduct, with similar rules having been trialed and implemented at other circuits in recent seasons. The governing body has increasingly emphasized driver behavior during slow laps, especially after incidents in the past where competitors were seen intentionally reducing speed to create gaps or to prepare tires for a flying lap, sometimes resulting in unsafe situations or track congestion.
Should the stewards decide that Leclerc and Stroll did, in fact, breach this rule without valid justification, they could be handed penalties that may affect their starting positions for the sprint or even the Grand Prix itself. The outcome will be closely watched, as the enforcement of this rule could set a precedent for how strictly it will be applied in future race weekends.
As of now, Ferrari and Aston Martin have yet to release official statements regarding the summons, but both teams are expected to present their case during the stewards’ hearings. Fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on the developments, as any grid penalties handed to Leclerc or Stroll could significantly influence the dynamics of the sprint race and the Grand Prix at Shanghai.
