Scuderia Ferrari has been fined €10,000 for an unsafe release during the second practice session of the Singapore Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Charles Leclerc was released from his pit box into the path of Lando Norris, resulting in a collision that damaged Norris’ McLaren. The Stewards found that a Ferrari team member misjudged the situation, leading to the incident.
According to the Stewards’ verdict, Leclerc was instructed to leave his pit box, but the team member responsible for ensuring the safe release of the car failed to account for Norris’ approaching vehicle. The collision pushed Norris into the pit wall, causing damage to his car’s front wing. Leclerc escaped the incident without damage to his vehicle.
The incident occurred during a chaotic session, marked by multiple red flags and disruptions. Despite the challenges, Oscar Piastri topped the timing sheets in FP2, with Leclerc finishing ninth and his teammate Lewis Hamilton tenth. Ferrari’s team principal has acknowledged the incident and is likely to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fine imposed on Ferrari highlights the importance of clear communication and situational awareness in Formula 1. With multiple cars vying for position on the track, team members must be vigilant in ensuring safe releases to avoid incidents like the one involving Leclerc and Norris.
The Singapore Grand Prix promises to be an exciting event, with drivers and teams looking to capitalize on every opportunity. The incident between Leclerc and Norris serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense competition in Formula 1, where split-second decisions can have significant consequences .
