Charles Leclerc avoids penalty after pitlane incident in Singapore

Emily Nicole

•
Charles Leclerc avoids penalty after pitlane incident in Singapore image

Charles Leclerc will breathe a sign of relief after avoiding a penalty for crashing into Lando Norris in the second practice session in Singapore. 

Instead, Ferrari have been fined €10,000 (£8700) for an unsafe release in the pitlane.

The incident occurred as the session resumed following a red flag when Liam Lawson crashed at Turn 17. 

Both McLarens were released simultaneously, and Ferrari released Leclerc in the garages ahead. 

Leclerc seemed to have not seen Norris and crashed into him, breaking his front wing. McLaren repaired the car in order to get the Brit back on track for a qualifying simulation. 

The FIA called both drivers and team representatives to the stewards office after the session. 

In their ruling, the FIA said the Ferrari team member in charge of Leclerc's release "misjudged the situation and gave unclear instructions to LEC, who could not see NOR’s car."

Due to it being deemed a team decision, rather than the driver himself, the ruling body decided on a fine instead of an on-track penalty.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

"It was a bit of confusion" - Leclerc

Leclerc said he analysed the incident after the session.

“My camera was on my face so I couldn’t see to double check with my mechanic and speaking with him it was a bit of confusion with the two McLarens going out."

“It looked like they were going out at the same time, so he thought they would go out slower, so I didn’t have a message to stop."

“On these kind of cases you rely on the team but these kind of things happen. It was also in a tricky moment because with all the red flags, everyone was in a rush to get out to do some laps."

"It’s a combination of things. It’s not something you want but these things happen.”

Formula 1 news & related links

Emily Nicole

Emily Nicole is a freelance contributor for The Sporting News. Emily is a sports journalist, with a passion for motorsport with professional experience across print, broadcast and social media. Emily holds a Journalism Bachelor’s Degree and a Media & Communications Master’s Degree, both from City, University of London. You can follow more of Emily's work on The F1 Rundown on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thef1rundown).