The sports commissioners of the Automobil World Association (FIA) found Ferrari guilty in the second free training on the Grand Prix of Singapore 2025 that they had caused an “unsafe release”. They imposed a fine of 10,000 euros.
The Formula 1 tradition team had Charles Leclerc turned into the fast lane of the pit lane, although Lando Norris was already in this track in the McLaren. Then there was a collision, which pushed Norris into the wall and damaged his front wing.
This is how the sports commissioners justify the judgment
In the reasoning of the sports commissioner, it says: “Leclerc was instructed to leave his garage. […] Norris overlooked the responsible team member incorrectly assessed the situation and sent Leclerc unclear instructions. Because Leclerc couldn’t see Norris. So there was a collision in the fast lane. “
Usually the punishment is 5,000 euros – but this time the commissioners decided harder. Reason: “Using some precedents, we came to the conclusion that a sharper sanction must take place here.”
The basis for the punishment forms Article 34.14 a) In the sporting regulations of Formula 1. “Vehicles must not be released from the garage or from the pit stop position in such a way that they could endanger staff in the pit lane or another driver or damage another car.”
What Ferrari driver Leclerc says about incident
Even before the verdict was pronounced, Leclerc had commented on Sky with Norris. He said: “There was a little confusion when the two McLarens drove out, because it looked like they were going on at the same time.”
“My mechanic thought that they would go out a little more slowly, and I couldn’t get the instructions on. In such situations, you rely on the team a bit,” said Leclerc.
However, he could not blame his team here: “Such things happen. It was also not so easy because everyone was in a hurry after the red flags to cozy a few rounds. A combination of different factors – this should not happen, but it happens.”
Chadwick takes Leclerc under protection
The three-time W-Serie champion and Williams squad driver Jamie Chadwick took Leclerc in protection in the Sky conversation: “Charles could really do nothing here. He doesn’t see the approaching cars. You are completely dependent on the person who sends you out of the garage. As soon as it means that it is free, you go,” said Chadwick.
Nevertheless, the situation affects it “super awkward” and is primarily to blame the team, Chadwick continues. She also called for a “stronger deterrent” than just a comparatively small fine. “Because if Charles had collided with him on the route, he would probably have received a punishment for the rest of the weekend.”