FIA Decides No Action on Leclerc-Verstappen Incident at Spanish GP
The FIA race stewards have ruled there will be no further action against Charles Leclerc following his incident with Max Verstappen during the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, allowing the Ferrari driver to retain his podium finish.
Race Incident Overview
On lap 61 of the race, a dramatic moment unfolded during the safety car restart. Verstappen experienced a significant oversteer, causing him to lose momentum as he attempted to heat up his hard tyres while competing against drivers on softer rubber. This error opened the door for Leclerc to attempt an overtaking manoeuvre.
The Collision
As Leclerc surged alongside Verstappen on the start-finish straight, a slight movement towards each other resulted in contact. Verstappen argued that Leclerc should have been penalised for the collision, but the stewards determined otherwise. They concluded that both drivers were slightly to blame, categorising the incident as a racing occurrence rather than intentional contact.
Official Stewards’ Statement
The stewards provided clarity on their decision, stating, “Both cars were moving slightly towards each other in the middle of the track and a minor collision occurred as a result.” They noted that both parties acknowledged this incident could have resulted in a more severe crash, yet neither could be held chiefly responsible.
Race Results and Implications
Following the incident, Verstappen finished the race in 10th position after receiving a 10-second penalty for colliding with George Russell. Meanwhile, Leclerc secured a commendable third place, finishing behind Mclaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The penalty added three points to Verstappen’s license, putting him perilously close to another potential race ban before the Austrian Grand Prix in June.
Conclusion
While the outcome of the investigation allows Leclerc to celebrate his podium finish, the developments surrounding Verstappen’s penalties raise questions about driving conduct as the season progresses. The dynamic between the top teams continues to intensify, as both Ferrari and Red Bull compete for valuable points in the championship standings.