SF-25 survives Azerbaijan qualifying crash: Ferrari sidesteps penalties in Baku. After Charles Leclerc’s qualifying crash in Baku, Ferrari avoids potential grid penalties.

Ferrari avoids penalty nightmare: Leclerc “saved” after qualifying crash in Baku

After Charles Leclerc’s qualifying crash in Baku, Ferrari managed to avoid the nightmare scenario of grid penalties thanks to minor component replacements.

Having impressed in all free practice sessions, the Tifosi of Ferrari were expecting another satisfying Saturday in Azerbaijan. However, Lewis Hamilton’s elimination in Q2 and Charles Leclerc’s crash in Q3 forced Ferrari to prepare for a recovery drive, with the looming threat of penalties linked to potential component replacements on the SF-25, car number 16.

The Charles Leclerc crash and potential consequences

Although the Monegasque’s crash was not excessively violent, it could have required the Italian team to replace certain components that had already reached their regulatory limits. This prompted thorough investigations, similar to what was done for other drivers who ended up in the barriers during qualifying.

Component replacements by Ferrari and others

After carefully analyzing Charles Leclerc’s car, Ferrari decided to replace the entire front section and the floor of his SF-25. This ensured that no grid penalties would be applied, sparing the team an even more complicated Sunday in Baku.

Regarding other teams, the FIA announced that both Oscar Piastri and Franco Colapinto will run with a new chassis following their qualifying incidents in Baku. Both drivers will still be allowed to start from the grid, as these replacements are deemed necessary for safety reasons.