In the evening in Italy, the FIA confirmed the penalty for Charles Leclerc for using inappropriate language in a press conference, the same for which Max Verstappen had been accused. However, despite the charge being the same, the two received different punishments.
The stewards had sentenced the Red Bull driver to community service, while the Monegasque got away with a fine. On Thursday ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, the Dutchman had already complained about the fact that the Ferrari driver was not even investigated, and now, presumably, he will not be thrilled with the penalty.
Why did Charles Leclerc receive a different penalty than Max Verstappen?
Despite the apparent similarity between the two situations, the FIA wanted to clarify why Charles Leclerc was given a different penalty than Max Verstappen. The key factor was the Monegasque’s apology. The Ferrari driver had immediately apologized, though laughing, for using the word “ca*zo.” This aspect is highlighted in the Federation’s official statement.
Charles Leclerc immediately realized his mistake and apologized. The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group. During the hearing, Charles Leclerc expressed his regret for his momentary lack of judgment. The driver said he understood his responsibility as a role model for the sport.
“The Stewards considered Charles Leclerc’s immediate apology as a mitigating factor. The Stewards do not consider this violation to have reached the same level as the most recent case.”
The effectiveness of immediate apologies
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The key factor that led to the different penalty from the FIA was certainly the different attitude of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. The Monegasque’s immediate apology played a decisive role. This is especially clear from the final paragraph of the statement: “This violation did not reach the same level as the most recent case.” A rather clear phrase.
The Ferrari driver will therefore “only” pay a $10,000 fine and will not have to join Max in community service with the Secretary General of Sport. It is unlikely the Dutchman will take this news well. The situation with the stewards was already not ideal after Mexico. We’ll see if Max now feels he has suffered another injustice.
Source: f1ingenerale
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