Charles Leclerc and Ferrari have thankfully avoided any major consequences following an FIA investigation during the final practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, with the stewards opting to issue only a warning after reviewing an impeding incident involving Nico Hülkenberg.
The decision was confirmed in an official FIA document released shortly before qualifying at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. While the incident attracted the attention of race officials, neither the Ferrari driver nor the team received a sporting penalty, ensuring that Charles Leclerc’s qualifying preparations remain unaffected.
FIA reviews FP3 incident involving Charles Leclerc
The investigation stemmed from an incident that occurred during FP3 at Turn 5. According to the stewards’ report, the Monegasque was driving slowly while passing Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari when Nico Hülkenberg’s car approached on a flying lap.
As Hülkenberg closed in, Charles Leclerc’s position on track slightly impeded the German driver. The matter was subsequently referred to the stewards, who summoned Ferrari representatives and reviewed multiple sources of evidence, including onboard footage, team radio communications and video recordings.
After examining the circumstances, the FIA concluded that although an infringement of Article B4.1.1 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations had occurred, the situation did not warrant a harsher sanction.
Why Ferrari and Leclerc escaped a penalty
A key factor in the stewards’ decision was the absence of a warning from the Ferrari pit wall.
According to the official report, Ferrari informed the FIA that drivers are normally alerted only when a car on a push lap is approaching. In this particular case, no warning was provided to Charles Leclerc as Nico Hülkenberg closed rapidly behind him. The stewards acknowledged the circumstances and determined that a warning for both the driver and the team was an appropriate outcome rather than a sporting penalty.
As a result, the 28-year-old retains his qualifying position without any grid-drop risk, while Ferrari avoids any financial or competitive punishment.
Positive outcome for Ferrari before qualifying
The ruling comes as welcome news for the Scuderia ahead of a crucial qualifying session in Barcelona.
Ferrari has shown encouraging pace throughout the weekend following the introduction of a substantial upgrade package to the SF-26. While the team still appears to trail Mercedes and McLaren over a single lap, Charles Leclerc has consistently been among the frontrunners and remains in contention for a strong grid position.
A penalty would have complicated Ferrari’s plans considerably, especially on a circuit where track position remains highly valuable despite the opportunities offered by tyre degradation and strategic variation.
Instead, the Maranello squad can now focus entirely on qualifying, knowing that the FIA has closed the matter with nothing more than a formal warning for both the Monegasque driver and the team.
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