How Charles Leclerc narrowly avoided a “certain penalty” in F1 Mexico GP

How Charles Leclerc narrowly avoided a “certain penalty” in F1 Mexico GP. Charles Leclerc escaped what some called a “certain penalty” after the chaotic start in Mexico.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-25, garage, tire, front wing

The Mexican Grand Prix began with controversy at Turn 1, and Charles Leclerc found himself at the center of it — with some claiming he was let off lightly by the FIA. The opening moments of the race delivered the usual mix of chaos and drama that the first corner in Mexico is known for. With four cars side by side and several drivers cutting the corner, questions quickly arose over how the stewards handled the situation. According to former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, Charles Leclerc was “saved from a certain penalty.”

Turn 1 saw Lando Norris escape cleanly from the chaos that unfolded behind him, as at least four drivers went side by side and several went off track. Leclerc was among those who ran wide but managed to rejoin the race ahead of the pack. The Ferrari driver later gave the position back to Norris, but not to Lewis Hamilton.

Other drivers, including Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, and Liam Lawson, also cut the corner without receiving penalties — something that frustrated rivals like George Russell and Fernando Alonso. Reviewing the incident, Jolyon Palmer didn’t hold back in his assessment:

“Leclerc, starting behind Hamilton, chooses to go off track. He wasn’t pushed by Lewis — it’s clear there was space on the outside,” explained the former F1 driver. “In that situation, the safest thing is to go wide, come back ahead, and then decide who to let through. Basically, you become the judge of your own case.”

He added: “Charles let Lando through but not Lewis Hamilton. For me, that’s a penalty — a certain penalty. I imagine the stewards saw too much confusion in Turn 1, but the fact remains that Leclerc overtook Hamilton off track and should have been punished.”

Martin Brundle went even further, saying the Monegasque driver should have received a 10-second penalty, while Verstappen deserved a drive-through penalty for his own corner-cutting.

Despite the heated debate, Charles Leclerc made the most of the opening lap chaos, finishing second and securing his seventh podium of the season. Behind him, Lewis Hamilton was ultimately the only driver to receive a penalty for exceeding track limits — leaving the British driver still without a single podium finish this year.