Charles Leclerc and Ferrari under fire after breaking FIA rule

Ferrari found itself on the stewards’ agenda at Imola after Charles Leclerc’s crew adjusted tyre pressures in FP1 while the SF-25 sat in the garage.



Officials opened an inquiry into a possible breach of Technical Directive 003G 2.g.ii, which spells out how tyres can be reused and modified during a session.



A team representative met stewards on Friday evening and supplied data from the FIA technical delegate.



Ruling and Financial Penalty



The panel concluded the squad had skipped the mandatory temperature-check sequence before deflating the tyres.







“The team representative admitted that these procedures were not followed, which is a breach of Article 30.5 a) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations,” the verdict recorded.



Citing similar operational infringements, the stewards imposed a €5,000 fine and confirmed no sporting penalty for Leclerc because the lapse occurred in practice.



Historical Context and Comparisons



Ferrari’s punishment mirrors the €5,000 levies Mercedes absorbed at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton and George Russell faced an identical tyre-pressure rap.



Back then, a delayed start created confusion; nonetheless the governing body stuck to a financial sanction.



The repeat underscores how strictly the FIA polices tyre handling to protect integrity and safety.



Technical Directive Explained



TD 003G permits multiple uses of the same set within a session but demands any pressure change follow a step-by-step routine that starts with heating the carcass.



The rules aim to prevent “cold manipulation,” a tactic that can boost grip yet endanger structural stability.



Teams must log each adjustment with the delegate, ensuring transparency for rivals and scrutineers alike.



Reaction Inside the Paddock



Ferrari accepted the decision without appeal, keen to avoid distraction before qualifying on Saturday.



Engineers privately acknowledged an “operational miscommunication” and vowed tighter checks for future runs.



Leclerc, currently fifth in the drivers’ standings, declined detailed comment, stating only that the matter was “closed.”



What Happens Next



The incident serves as a cautionary tale as teams juggle aggressive set-up work with ever-tighter directives on tyre usage.



With Imola’s high-energy corners stressing rubber, compliance will remain under the microscope all weekend.
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