Charles Leclerc's Las Vegas GP Stewards Summons: A Double Breach of Rules
Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, faced an unexpected turn of events during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. He was summoned to the stewards for an alleged double breach of rules during the second practice session (FP2). The Monegasque driver, who had topped the first practice session, found himself in a tricky situation after a gearbox issue arose during the resumed session following a red flag for a loose manhole cover.
The incident unfolded as follows: As the eight-time grand prix winner's SF-25 struggled to gain speed, he pulled to the side and behind barriers. This was due to a gearbox problem, which occurred shortly after the second practice session resumed. Interestingly, a second red flag was raised, unrelated to the manhole cover issue, but it ensured that Leclerc didn't miss any crucial track action in the final stages of the second hour of running in Nevada.
The stewards' document confirmed the alleged breach of Article 26.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. It stated that Leclerc did not replace his steering wheel and turn off the ERS (Energy Recovery System) after coming to a halt on the track. This incident has sparked curiosity and discussion among fans and experts alike, as it highlights the importance of adhering to technical regulations in Formula One racing.
Leclerc, who finished third-fastest in FP2, will report to the stewards at 22:00 local time. This development adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing Las Vegas Grand Prix, leaving fans and analysts eagerly awaiting further updates and insights.