FIA minimum lap time rule causes concern: Charles Leclerc complains over team radio

FIA minimum lap time rule causes concern: Charles Leclerc complains over team radio | 2023 Qatar GP. Charles Leclerc complains over team radio amid minimum lap time rule.

The FIA’s rule on the minimum lap time in qualifying is once again a topic of discussion, and this time it was Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc who voiced his complaints in two team radio messages.

The first complaint dates back to Q1 of the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying. To adhere to the delta time, the Ferrari driver had to engage in a duel with Fernando Alonso to avoid losing precious seconds. The Aston Martin driver, in turn, complained via radio, saying, “Leclerc ruined our lap!”

“This is nonsense with the minimum lap time,” Charles Leclerc began. “Every time we’re out on the track, we can’t do anything. They’re struggling in qualifying simply because I have to adhere to this minimum lap time. Then, Fernando let me pass and overtook me, so, of course, I won’t let him get away with it. It’s just a bit silly, but anyway…” concluded the former Alfa Romeo driver, attributing the rule as the cause of what happened.

At the end of Q2, the number 16 reiterated his frustration in the second team radio message. “Sorry, I have to repeat myself… but the minimum lap time when we’re all on different sequences creates a lot of confusion. Anyway, let’s focus on what’s ahead.” – he pointed out.

The Federation introduced this rule at the Monza track and maintained it for this weekend after implementing it again at Suzuka.

Regarding Charles Leclerc’s qualifying outcome, the Ferrari driver qualified fifth for Sunday’s Grand Prix after the times of both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were invalidated.

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