FIA confirms Canadian Gp disqualification of Charles leclerc following…read more
The FIA has confirmed that Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc will not face any penalties following a series of routine post-race inspections, narrowly avoiding a potential disqualification ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. Leclerc, who claimed third place at the Spanish Grand Prix, was randomly selected for technical checks as part of the FIA’s standard post-race protocol, which involves choosing one of the top 10 finishers for a detailed examination of their car.
These checks are meant to ensure that all competing vehicles comply with the strict technical regulations set out by Formula 1’s governing body. For Leclerc, this meant a particularly thorough inspection of his car’s rear brake system, which has to conform to Article 11.1.2 of the technical rulebook. This regulation mandates that the brake system must apply symmetrical and opposing forces on the brake discs. Any mechanism that systematically generates uneven braking torques on the same axle is strictly prohibited.
Had Leclerc’s car been found in breach of this rule, he could have faced disqualification from the Spanish Grand Prix, costing him and Ferrari valuable points in the championship standings. However, following extensive analysis and physical testing of the components in question, the FIA concluded that Leclerc’s Ferrari was fully compliant with all relevant technical specifications. As a result, no action was taken, and his third-place finish in Spain remains intact.
This decision comes as a relief to both Leclerc and the Ferrari team, especially considering their earlier setback this season. At the Chinese Grand Prix, both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified after post-race checks revealed technical infringements. Leclerc’s car was found to be one kilogram under the minimum weight limit of 800kg, while Hamilton’s car was penalized for excessive wear on the plank beneath his vehicle. The double disqualification cost both drivers their points, stripping Leclerc of a fifth-place finish and Hamilton of sixth.
A similar penalty in Spain would have been even more damaging for Leclerc, as his third-place podium brought in crucial championship points. So far in the 2025 season, Leclerc has secured three podium finishes, proving to be a vital contributor to Ferrari’s strong performance. Alongside new teammate Lewis Hamilton, the Monegasque has helped lift Ferrari to second place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, surpassing both Mercedes and Red Bull.
As Formula 1 heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, Ferrari will be buoyed by the FIA’s decision. With their car passing one of the sport’s more stringent technical inspections unscathed, the team can remain focused on capitalizing on their current momentum. Leclerc’s consistent performances and Ferrari’s competitive form suggest the team could pose a serious threat in the ongoing championship battle. For now, both Leclerc and Ferrari can breathe a sigh of relief as they prepare for the next round of racing without the shadow of disqualification looming over them.
