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The FIA has officially confirmed that Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will face no penalties following a detailed post-race inspection of his car after the Spanish Grand Prix — an outcome that spares both driver and team a major setback just days before the Canadian Grand Prix.
As part of standard post-race procedures, the FIA randomly selects one driver from the top ten finishers to undergo rigorous technical checks. Following the race in Barcelona, Leclerc’s car was chosen, with a particular focus placed on his rear brake system. The tests are designed to ensure full compliance with F1’s strict technical regulations — any failure to meet the standards can lead to disqualification.
The FIA’s examination was centered around Article 11.1.2 of the technical regulations. This rule states that the brake system must ensure equal force is applied symmetrically to the brake pads on each side of the axle. Specifically, it prohibits any system that intentionally or systematically produces asymmetric braking torques. Had Leclerc’s car been found in breach of this rule, it would have meant immediate disqualification from the Spanish GP — where he claimed a valuable third-place finish.
Fortunately for both Leclerc and the Scuderia Ferrari team, the FIA concluded that all inspected components — including the rear brake system — fully complied with the technical regulations. No irregularities were detected, and no action was taken.
This news is especially welcome within the Ferrari camp, still recovering from a double disqualification earlier this season at the Chinese Grand Prix. At that race, both Leclerc and teammate Lewis Hamilton were stripped of their top-six finishes. Leclerc’s car was found to be 1kg under the 800kg minimum weight limit, while Hamilton’s car was penalized for excessive plank wear.
A repeat penalty in Spain would have been far more damaging, as Leclerc’s podium finish added crucial points to Ferrari’s championship bid. So far in 2025, the Monegasque driver has collected three podiums and, alongside Hamilton, has pushed Ferrari into second place in the constructors’ standings — ahead of both Red Bull and Mercedes.
With the Canadian Grand Prix approaching, Ferrari can now shift focus back to racing, confident that their car is fully within regulation — and that Leclerc’s podium in Spain will stand.
