Ferrari was fined after an administrative infraction that occurred during the first free practice session at Spa-Francorchamps.
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Ferrari’s Belgian weekend started with a financial penalty. The Italian team was summoned by the FIA stewards after the first free practice session of the Belgian Grand Prix, following an alleged failure to comply with the procedure for returning tires supplied by Pirelli.
The infraction concerned article 6.4.2 of the Formula 1 sporting regulations, which precisely governs the teams’ obligations regarding the management and return of tires after practice sessions.
According to the elements examined by the stewards, Ferrari did not return a set of tires to Pirelli within the prescribed time after the FP1 held on Friday at Spa-Francorchamps. The case was then forwarded to the FIA after the second free practice session for further review.
A 10,000 euro fine for the Scuderia
After analyzing the circumstances of the case, the stewards decided to impose a financial penalty on Ferrari. The Scuderia will have to pay a total fine of 10,000 euros, i.e., 5,000 euros for each of its entered cars.
The FIA considered this sanction appropriate to the nature of the infraction, viewing it as a breach of a regulatory procedure rather than a sporting advantage sought by the Italian team.
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This decision therefore has no direct impact on Ferrari’s results at the Belgian Grand Prix and no driver was penalized on the starting grid.
A mixed day for Hamilton and Leclerc
On track, the two Ferrari drivers experienced a day of mixed fortunes at Spa. Lewis Hamilton finished the second free practice session in fourth position, confirming the regained potential of the SF-26 on a circuit demanding in terms of energy efficiency.
Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, faced more difficulties, finishing FP2 in 11th place as he is still trying to regain the feel that allowed him to win the previous British Grand Prix.
After a first day marked by this administrative sanction, Ferrari will now have to fully focus on performance to confirm its return to the forefront against Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull.
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