Breaking: FIA Clears Charles Leclerc After Brake System Inspection Before C…read
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc came close to being disqualified from the Spanish Grand Prix after a detailed technical examination by the FIA. The results of this investigation were announced just before the Canadian Grand Prix. As part of routine checks conducted on top-ten finishers, Leclerc was randomly chosen for post-race inspection to verify compliance with racing’s stringent technical rules. This time, attention focused specifically on his car and its rear brake system.
After each race weekend, every Formula 1 car undergoes thorough examination by the FIA’s technical team, with particular attention given to components where regulations are critical for performance and safety. In Leclerc’s case, the focus was on Article 11.1.2 of the technical rules. This regulation requires that braking systems apply equal force to both sides of an axle in order to maintain balanced braking performance. The rule specifically states: “The brake system must be designed so that within each circuit, forces applied to the brake pads have identical magnitude and act as opposing pairs on a specific brake disc. Any mechanism or system that deliberately creates asymmetric braking torques for any given axle is prohibited.”
Breaching this rule could lead to immediate disqualification due to the performance advantage such asymmetry might offer. The FIA’s technical team thoroughly inspected Leclerc’s brake components, examining the distribution of braking torque and evaluating whether any system could cause a non-compliant, asymmetrical effect. Thankfully for Leclerc and the Ferrari team, the investigation confirmed that all relevant components complied fully with regulations. No irregularities were detected, so no penalties were imposed.
This decision is a relief for Ferrari, especially considering the team’s difficulties earlier in the season. During the Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari faced a significant setback when both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified despite finishing in the top ten. Leclerc’s car was discovered to be 1kg under the mandatory minimum weight of 800kg, while Hamilton’s vehicle exhibited excessive plank wear—just half a millimeter beyond acceptable limits. As a result of these violations, both drivers lost their fifth and sixth-place finishes, costing Ferrari valuable championship points.
If Leclerc had been disqualified from the Spanish Grand Prix, the consequences would have been even more serious. He secured a third-place finish in Barcelona, earning an important podium spot and 15 crucial points for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Losing those points would have dealt a significant setback to Ferrari’s efforts to regain their dominance in the standings.
Leclerc’s impressive performance in the 2025 season has played a crucial role in Ferrari’s comeback. He has already secured three podium finishes, demonstrating both reliability and speed. Teaming up with Lewis Hamilton, who joined at the beginning of the year, Leclerc has propelled Ferrari to second place in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of rivals Mercedes and Red Bull.
As the Formula 1 calendar moves toward the Canadian Grand Prix, Ferrari will be relieved and eager to capitalize on their momentum. The team has confirmed that its car meets legal regulations, allowing Leclerc to continue his championship pursuit without worrying about a potential disqualification.
In a sport where fractions of seconds and millimeters can determine the fine line between winning and losing, Ferrari’s avoidance of any penalty highlights how crucial it is to adhere to regulations. For the time being, Scuderia can concentrate on their performance with confidence that they’ve managed to evade scrutiny this weekend without issues.
