Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, comments on the contact between Leclerc and Verstappen at the end of the Spanish GP: “There’s no penalty.”
Contact between Leclerc and Verstappen during the Spanish GP saw Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur step up in defence of the Monegasque driver. Under investigation for a straight-line incident during the race restart, car #16 awaits a verdict from the FIA. In the meantime, Charles Leclerc returns to the podium—his third of the season after Saudi Arabia and Monaco—in what was nonetheless a tough race for the SF-25.
Ferrari returns to the podium in Barcelona with a combative Charles Leclerc, once again the stronger of the two Scuderia drivers. The Monegasque made a strong start, passed Lewis Hamilton after a team order, and kept pace with the McLarens, albeit at a distance. At the restart, a move—and minor contact—with Max Verstappen gave him his second consecutive podium finish.
A golden result that puts the Maranello-based team back into second place in the Constructors’ Championship, while awaiting further important updates. The only uncertainty remains a possible penalty for that move on Max Verstappen. From Charles Leclerc’s onboard footage, no significant steering input appears that might justify a sanction. The stewards’ interpretation is now awaited.
Penalty? Not at all: Frédéric Vasseur makes light of the investigation
Commenting on the incident after the Safety Car period, Maranello’s team principal joked: “What do I think of the investigation? Honestly, nothing. Max [Verstappen] lost the car exiting the final corner, then they moved slightly on the straight. If that overtaking move is worth reporting to the stewards, then they should report every other overtake in the Grand Prix.” – the French manager concluded.
A decision from the stewards is expected in the coming hours.
