Formula 1 fans waited for three hours in torrential rain at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit before the safety car led the field from the pitlane. The event was eventually stopped after completing the laps necessary for half points to be scored. Charles Leclerc finished in P8 for Ferrari and therefore scored two points but there was a interesting moment after delayed start when the Italian side was close to making a big mistake that could have led to a penalty.
Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc’s tyres were changed on the grid after the delayed start was announced at Spa-Francorchamps, which is not permitted, but the Maranello team then changed them back and therefore avoided a penalty for Charles:
“Although a breach of the regulations occurred, the Stewards impose no penalty as the breach was rectified.”
FIA officials were present to check the tyres on the SF21 car of Charles after Scuderia Ferrari swapped them back, to see if everything was done correctly.
Charles Leclerc’s team radio about the incident:
Race Engineer: “So Charles, we put the new set of full wets because they were hotter…”
Some minutes later
Race Engineer: “We have the put the previous set.”
Charles: For rules or what?
Race Engineer: FIA.
Charles: “We don’t risk any penalty right…”
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