FIA ‘shame’ for ‘wrong decision’ after 3…read more
The aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix has ignited a firestorm of controversy, centering on a high-speed collision between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen on the start-finish straight. While the incident itself resulted in no visible damage to either car, the subsequent revelations and lack of FIA action have sparked outrage, particularly from former Ferrari general manager Peter Windsor. Windsor vehemently criticizes the FIA’s decision not to penalize either driver, arguing that their assessment was fundamentally flawed and that the governing body should bear the “shame” for their inaction.
The collision occurred during a safety car restart, with Leclerc attempting an overtake on Verstappen at speeds exceeding 300 kph. Verstappen, visibly furious on his team radio, later received a 10-second penalty for a separate incident involving George Russell. However, despite both Leclerc and Verstappen being summoned to the stewards, no penalty was issued for their earlier contact. The stewards’ official statement cited an “avoidable collision” with neither driver bearing primary responsibility.
This seemingly balanced assessment crumbled when Leclerc subsequently admitted he intentionally nudged Verstappen to prevent him from benefiting from the slipstream of the McLaren cars ahead. This confession directly contradicts the stewards’ initial finding of shared responsibility, prompting Windsor’s scathing critique. He contends that Leclerc’s admission exposes the FIA’s judgment as fundamentally flawed, arguing that the stewards should rectify their decision, issue an apology, and impose some form of penalty. Windsor’s argument hinges on the unacceptable risk involved in such a high-speed incident, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic consequences given the limited run-off areas and high-speed nature of modern Formula 1 racing.
Windsor’s impassioned plea underscores the severity of the situation. He stresses that accidents on straights pose a particularly grave threat due to the lack of significant run-off areas and the absence of substantial barrier protection. He emphasizes the need for swift and decisive action to prevent similar incidents, arguing that the FIA’s failure to act sets a dangerous precedent. The absence of any subsequent change to the FIA’s initial stance further fuels Windsor’s criticism, highlighting the perceived lack of accountability and the potential for future incidents to go unpunished.
The incident raises significant questions about the FIA’s decision-making process and its commitment to ensuring driver safety. While the stewards’ initial assessment attempted to balance the blame, Leclerc’s admission fundamentally alters the narrative. The lack of subsequent action by the FIA suggests a reluctance to revisit their initial judgment, despite compelling new evidence. This inaction, according to Windsor, is inexcusable, given the immense risks involved in such a high-speed collision.
The controversy extends beyond the immediate incident, raising broader concerns about the consistency and transparency of the FIA’s officiating. The differing interpretations of the collision and the lack of a clear and decisive response from the FIA leave room for questioning the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework and the processes for reviewing and correcting decisions. The upcoming Canadian Grand Prix media day will undoubtedly see Verstappen facing questions about the Spanish GP incidents, including the Leclerc collision, potentially adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation. The FIA’s silence, in the face of growing criticism, only serves to amplify the concerns raised by Windsor and others within the Formula 1 community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of Formula 1 racing and the critical role played by the governing body in ensuring fair and consistent application of regulations.
