Source: REUTERS/JAKUB PORZYCKI
[Saba Sports News] Charles Leclerc experienced a bizarre penalty at the closing moments of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. During his battle with Alexander Albon for fourth place, a standard defensive move on the outside line was required to give way by the race director, which sparked Leclerc’s explosive reaction over the radio: “This is a joke!” Even more ironically, after the race, the FIA ultimately determined that the defense did not require punishment, and this contradictory decision infuriated the entire paddock. Race data showed that Leclerc’s defensive line at Turn 2 was fully compliant—the Williams car’s front wing remained 20 cm away from the Ferrari’s rear wheel. However, after Albon attempted an overtaking move on the outside and ran off the track, the race control center immediately launched an investigation and made an unfavorable ruling against Leclerc. Experts pointed out that the FIA’s “penalize first, review later” approach sets a dangerous precedent—if drivers have to fear penalties every time they defend, racing will fundamentally change. While they were jockeying for position, Lewis Hamilton capitalized on the confusion to overtake two cars and climb to fourth, while Leclerc, who had to yield, finished sixth. From our perspective, this farce, starting on the track and ending in the race control room, is destroying the bottom line of F1’s competitive spirit.