Leclerc and Scuderia Ferrari penalized after several mistakes at Suzuka

Sunday in Suzuka (Japan) Charles Leclerc will not remain engraved among his best memories. The Monegasque, only sixth when passing under the checkered flag, was penalized twice by the stewards of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) a few hours after the finish.

First of all, five seconds were awarded to him for his collision with Max Verstappen (Red Bull) at the second turn. This contrasts with the first judgment of the Race Direction, who had decided during the Grand Prix not to sanction Charles Leclerc.

In addition, 15 seconds are added to his course time for continuing to ride despite a very damaged front wing. During several rounds, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) had to avoid flying carbon debris. The right mirror of the Mercedes did not withstand one of the impacts. Charles Leclerc is finally ranked seventh.

But that's not all ; there Team will have to pay a check for 25 000 dollars ! The team is guilty of not having recalled its driver to the pits at the end of the first pass, but also of having caused confusion afterwards. 

Indeed, the team had announced to the Race Direction that Charles Leclerc would return to the garage at the end of the second lap, but once the pieces were gone, the team advised its driver to continue his effort, without notifying the Management. race.

Find in AUTO issue 2238hebdo, on sale Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands, analysis of the Japanese GP by our special correspondents.