div class="field-item even">Doc 97 - Infringement - Car 16 - Leaving the track multiple times and driving in an unsafe condition

2026 MIAMI GRAND PRIX 01 - 03 May 2026 From The Stewards To The Team Manager, Scuderia Ferrari HP Document 97 Date 03 May 2026 Time 17:21 The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (document 90) and heard from the driver and team representative, have considered the following matter and determine the following: No / Driver 16 - Charles Leclerc Competitor Scuderia Ferrari HP Time 14:36 Session Race Fact Car 16 left the track on several occasions without a justifiable reason. Infringement Breach of Article B1.8.6 of the FIA F1 Regulations. Decision Drive through penalty imposed after the Race. (20 seconds added to elapsed Race time). Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, team radio and in-car video evidence. Car 16 spun on the last lap at turn 3 and hit the wall but continued on track. The driver informed us that the car appeared fine save that the car would not negotiate the right hand corners properly. Given this problem, he was forced to cut chicanes on the way to the chequered flag. We determined that the fact that he had to cut the chicanes (i.e. to leave the track) meant that he gained a lasting advantage by leaving the track in that manner. The fact that he had a mechanical issue of some sort did not amount to a justifiable reason. We accordingly impose a Drive Through penalty on Car 16, given the number of times the car left the track and gained an advantage. We also considered whether there was an additional breach in continuing to drive a car with an obvious and discernible mechanical issue. We determined that there was no evidence of there being an obvious of discernible mechanical issue. We therefore took no further action in relation to that potential infringement. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits. The Stewards Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented. Nish Shetty Natalie Corsmit Vitantonio Liuzzi Steve Pence