The FIA has revealed which Formula 1 cars were selected for inspection following the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, and once again, Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari was among them. This is not the first time the Scuderia has been subject to post-race investigations this season, as the team has consistently been one of the most scrutinized by the FIA after race weekends.
Following the race in Hungary, the FIA issued an official statement regarding the cars that underwent detailed checks ahead of the upcoming Zandvoort Grand Prix weekend. According to the statement: “After the Budapest Grand Prix, cars numbered 16, 63, and 14 were randomly selected from the top ten finishers for a more in-depth inspection. In particular, the focus was on the TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).”
Details of the FIA inspection
The inspection covered several critical areas to ensure compliance with the 2025 Formula One Technical Regulations. The FIA checked all wiring on the cars to confirm that the communication pathways between the TPMS ECU, the TPMS antennas, and the SECU were intact and uninterrupted. Anti-tamper seals applied on the ECU TPMS and antennas by the supplier during production were verified and found to match the supplier’s official records.
All TPMS sensors were subjected to standard production checks, reporting values within the expected tolerances. No signs of tampering were detected. Additionally, the firmware of the TPMS ECU underwent a comprehensive MD5 memory check, confirming its integrity. The handshake signals between the antennas and the ECU were consistent with the expected format, ensuring correct communication between all components.
Each system was functionally tested as a complete kit. This involved pressurizing the TPMS sensors, receiving signals from the system, and transmitting them via the CAN bus. All measurements were within the tolerances of a reference sensor, confirming that the system was fully compliant. The FIA concluded that “all inspected components were found to comply with the 2025 Formula One Technical Regulations.”
Why this inspection matters
The focus on the TPMS system is particularly noteworthy, as tire pressures were a central topic of discussion following Charles Leclerc’s challenges in Hungary. The Maranello-based Scuderia had opted to increase tire pressures to prevent excessive wear on the floor of the car. While this strategic adjustment was intended to protect the vehicle, it also impacted performance, ultimately contributing to the Monaco driver’s inability to challenge for a podium finish.
By confirming the compliance of the TPMS system and all related components, the FIA has provided clarity on the technical side, showing that Ferrari’s car adhered fully to the regulations. The results highlight that the issues Charles Leclerc faced were linked to operational and strategic decisions during the race rather than any illegal modifications or technical infractions.
