Campos Racing suffered a significant setback during the Formula 2 weekend at Spa-Francorchamps after driver Noel Leon was disqualified from the Belgian Grand Prix feature race following an unusual breach of the FIA’s sporting regulations.
The decision came after race stewards investigated an incident involving a guest linked to Leon’s side of the Campos Racing garage during a red flag period. The guest was found using communication equipment that is strictly prohibited under Formula 2 rules, resulting in Leon being removed from the final classification despite crossing the line in fourth place.
The incident occurred after a red flag was brought out following Laurens van Hoepen’s crash during the second Formula 2 race of the weekend. While teams waited in the pit lane for the race to resume, FIA officials observed a person registered as non-operational staff walking through the pit lane wearing a headset equipped with a microphone.
Under Article 21.5 of the Formula 2 Sporting Regulations and Appendix 5, individuals in that role are only permitted to use listen-only headsets. Devices that allow two-way communication are forbidden to ensure strict control over communication during race stoppages.
Following the race, the FIA launched an investigation into the matter. During the stewards’ hearing, Campos Racing team manager and Leon’s teammate Nikola Tsolov attended to explain the circumstances. Leon himself was not present because he had already departed the Spa-Francorchamps circuit by the time the hearing took place.
Campos Racing argued that the guest had accidentally picked up the wrong headset and had no intention of breaking the regulations. However, the FIA’s investigation uncovered evidence that weakened the team’s defence.
According to the stewards’ report, an FIA official had already approached the guest and warned him that the headset he was wearing was not permitted. Although the guest reportedly claimed the microphone had been folded away, he later put the same headset back on despite the clear instruction that it was not allowed.
The stewards concluded that the continued use of the communication device constituted a breach of the regulations and warranted sporting sanctions. As a result, Leon was disqualified from the race, losing the valuable points he had earned with his fourth-place finish.
The FIA also imposed a substantial financial penalty on Campos Racing for the infringement, underlining the governing body’s commitment to enforcing its communication rules throughout the Formula 2 championship.
After reviewing all available evidence, the panel of stewards—Tanja Geilhausen, Brieuc Kremer, and Andrew Mallalieu—determined that the rule breach was connected exclusively to Leon’s side of the garage. They found no evidence that the team’s second car or its personnel had been involved in the incident.
Because of that, Leon’s teammate Nikola Tsolov retained his race result, with the punishment applying only to Leon’s entry rather than the entire team.
The disqualification proved costly for both Leon and Campos Racing, as the Mexican driver surrendered a valuable points finish at a crucial stage of the Formula 2 season. The case also serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor procedural violations can carry major consequences under the FIA’s strict sporting regulations, particularly during sensitive race situations such as red flag periods.
