Ferrari Fined for Tyre Pressure Breach at Imola GP

Ferrari has been fined €5,000 (£4,200) after breaching tyre pressure regulations during practice for the Formula 1 Imola Grand Prix. The penalty comes following a ruling from the sport’s governing body, the FIA, which noted that the Italian team had failed to adhere to the required standards while preparing Charles Leclerc’s car.

Breach of Tyre Regulations

During the Friday practice session, stewards observed that Ferrari had tampered with the tyre pressures of Leclerc’s vehicle. Strict protocols set by Pirelli govern tyre pressures and temperatures to ensure safety and performance on the track.

“The team representative admitted that these procedures were not followed, which is a breach of Article 30.5 a) of the FIA Formula 1 sporting regulations,” an FIA statement revealed. In light of previous operational breaches, the stewards deemed a €5,000 fine appropriate, given that the infringement occurred during free practice.

Ferrari’s Weekend Woes

This fine may be the least of Ferrari’s concerns, as Charles Leclerc expressed doubts about the team’s competitiveness heading into the race. "Honestly, the first row is going to be very difficult," Leclerc commented after practice. "The second row would already be a really good result for us, but at the moment, we’re more looking at the third row if everything goes well."

Mclaren‘s Pace Dominance

Leclerc’s concerns are compounded by the fact that McLaren topped the timesheets during the second practice session—a clear indicator that Ferrrari may be racing against not only their rivals but also time. While Leclerc managed to finish sixth, his team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, ended up in 11th after a shaky performance that included a near brush with the barriers.

Looking Ahead

As the Imola GP approaches, Ferrari faces the critical task of improving their performance while addressing the regulatory setback. Both Leclerc and Hamilton will need to find their rhythm if they hope to contend for a podium finish amidst fierce competition.

As the team looks to make the most of their situation, fans will be eager to see if Ferrari can turn around their fortunes or if their fine marks just the beginning of a challenging weekend ahead.