Ferrari hit with FIA summons after Chinese Grand Prix sprint qualifying
FIA Summons Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll to Stewards’ Room Amid Allegations of Breaching Maximum Lap Time Rule
The FIA has taken swift action following an alleged breach of a newly announced rule at the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll have been summoned to the stewards’ room to address allegations of driving unnecessarily slowly during the sprint qualifying session.
The rule in question, which was announced ahead of Friday’s sprint qualifying and Saturday’s feature race qualifying, stipulates that drivers must stay below a maximum lap time of 1:54.0 between the safety car lines shown on the pit lane drawing. This rule is designed to prevent drivers from impeding others on flying laps and to ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic during qualifying sessions.
Leclerc, who qualified fourth in the sprint qualifying session, and Stroll, who also allegedly breached the rule, will face the stewards at 17:00 to discuss the allegations. The FIA has made it clear that drivers who violate this rule may face penalties, potentially relative to their grid position.
The incident has sparked significant interest in the F1 paddock, particularly given the high stakes involved in the sprint qualifying session. Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate, Lewis Hamilton, shocked the paddock with a stunning performance, securing pole position for the sprint race ahead of both McLarens and Max Verstappen.
The Ferrari duo’s strong performance has raised hopes of a potential victory in the first race of the weekend. However, the allegations of breaching the maximum lap time rule have cast a shadow over their prospects.
As the investigation unfolds, the FIA will carefully examine the evidence and consider any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to Leclerc and Stroll exceeding the maximum lap time. The stewards’ decision will be eagerly awaited, and any penalties imposed could have significant implications for the drivers’ grid positions and overall championship prospects.
In a surprising twist, the stewards ultimately decided to take no action against Leclerc and Stroll, accepting that there were extenuating circumstances that led to Leclerc exceeding the limit. This decision will come as a relief to both drivers and their teams, who can now focus on the remainder of the weekend’s racing without the burden of potential penalties.
As the Chinese Grand Prix weekend continues to unfold, the FIA’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in the high-pressure world of Formula 1. The governing body’s willingness to consider extenuating circumstances and take a nuanced approach to rule enforcement is a welcome development, and one that will undoubtedly be appreciated by drivers and teams alike.
