Several Formula 1 drivers are set to face scrutiny from FIA stewards following an eventful qualifying session for the Monaco Grand Prix, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc among those called to explain incidents that occurred during Saturday’s track action.
Leclerc, who secured fourth place on the grid for his home race, endured a dramatic end to qualifying after making contact with the barriers on his final flying lap. Despite the setback, the Monegasque driver managed to retain a strong starting position for Sunday’s race. However, his qualifying session did not end when he climbed out of the car.
The Ferrari star has been summoned by the stewards alongside Nico Hulkenberg over an alleged incident involving unnecessary slow driving in the tunnel section of the circuit. According to the stewards’ notice, the matter relates to a potential breach of the race director’s instructions issued before the weekend by FIA race director Rui Marques.
Monaco’s narrow streets and limited overtaking opportunities make qualifying especially important, meaning any incident that affects another driver’s lap time is taken seriously by officials. The alleged slow-driving infringement will therefore be reviewed carefully by the stewards, with both drivers scheduled to attend a hearing at 17:45 local time.
Leclerc’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic qualifying session in Monte Carlo. The Ferrari driver had been hoping to challenge for a front-row start but ultimately had to settle for fourth after his late brush with the barriers.
Meanwhile, two other drivers have also been called before the stewards following a separate incident. Alex Albon and Arvid Lindblad have been summoned over a pit-lane matter that was not shown during the official Formula One world feed broadcast.
Details surrounding the pit-lane incident remain limited, but FIA officials deemed it significant enough to warrant a formal investigation. Albon and Lindblad are due to meet with the stewards at 18:00 local time.
Any penalties arising from either investigation could potentially affect the starting grid for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix. Teams and drivers will now await the outcome of the hearings as the FIA reviews the evidence and determines whether any sporting regulations were breached during the crucial qualifying session.
