Advertisment

Sao Paulo GP updates - FIA hands another penalty to Verstappen while Leclerc summoned by stewards

As Formula 1 action heats up at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, both Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have found themselves in the spotlight

author-image
Shubham Shekhar
New Update
Max Verstappen with Charles Leclerc

Max Verstappen with Charles Leclerc (Source: X)

As Formula 1 action heats up at the São Paulo Grand Prix, both Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have found themselves in the spotlight—but for entirely different reasons. Verstappen, the three-time F1 champion, is dealing with a five-place grid penalty due to another engine component change, while Leclerc faces the stewards after a comment made in last week’s post-race press conference.

Red Bull Racing decided to replace the internal combustion engine in Verstappen’s RB20 ahead of the São Paulo GP. It marks the second power unit (PU) swap for Verstappen this season, the first coming at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he had to settle for fourth place after starting lower on the grid.

Under F1 regulations, a second change in a single component results in a five-place penalty rather than the harsher 10-place drop, making Verstappen’s Road to a third victory at Interlagos a bit steeper but not insurmountable. This penalty adds an extra layer of intrigue for Red Bull’s ace at a track where he’s enjoyed great success.

Charles Leclerc might get punished!

While Verstappen faces the challenge of climbing up from his adjusted grid spot, Charles Leclerc is dealing with a different type of scrutiny. The Ferrari driver was summoned by FIA stewards in São Paulo due to comments made during the post-race press conference last Sunday in Mexico.

Leclerc, reflecting on his race, let slip an expletive when discussing a late-race error that allowed McLaren’s Lando Norris to snatch 2nd place from him at the final corner. He later apologized, jokingly distancing himself from Verstappen, who had previously received a community service penalty for a similar slip during a Singapore press conference.

According to the FIA’s official document, Leclerc is being investigated for a potential breach of Article 12.2.1.k of the International Sporting Code regarding language used in the official Mexico post-race press conference. While it remains to be seen what consequences he might face, the incident underscores the intense scrutiny on F1 drivers, even in moments of emotional candidness.

With Verstappen aiming to overcome his penalty and Leclerc navigating potential repercussions for his remarks, the São Paulo GP weekend promises high-stakes action both on and off the track. The drama at Interlagos is building up to be a thriller as the drivers navigate penalties, press scrutiny, and the high-pressure world of Formula 1.

Formula 1 Max Verstappen Charles Leclerc Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Advertisment