Charles Leclerc was given a five-second penalty during Formula 1’s Mexico Grand Prix for overtaking team-mate Lewis Hamilton off the track at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Leclerc started third, behind pole-sitter Hamilton, but the two Ferraris battled for the lead after George Russell lost positions during the second phase of the start. Hamilton kept the advantage through the first section of corners, although Leclerc was ahead at the apex of Turn 4. Hamilton left him little room, forcing Leclerc off the track as he moved into the lead.
The drivers’ briefing guidelines required Leclerc to give the position back by Turn 12. He did not do so, and the stewards determined that he had completed an overtake while off circuit.
According to the stewards, both cars entered Turn 4 at excessive speed and neither would have been able to negotiate the corner while remaining on track. However, they ruled that Leclerc was not entitled to claim the corner because he had gone off circuit while completing the pass.
The standard guideline called for a 10-second penalty, but the stewards reduced it to five seconds because Hamilton had also gone off track on the inside and the incident occurred early on the first lap.
By keeping the lead, Leclerc was able to build a five-second advantage over Max Verstappen. Hamilton criticised the decision during the race, arguing that Leclerc should have returned the position and had gained an advantage by running in clean air. He later said the stewards were effectively handing Leclerc the victory.
Leclerc subsequently lost the virtual lead to Verstappen during the first round of pit stops after Red Bull reacted quickly to Ferrari’s stop. The race was red-flagged on lap 46 following Valtteri Bottas’ crash, which appeared to result from a suspension failure. Verstappen led Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli, while Hamilton was fourth after pitting under the safety car shortly before the red flag.
Sources: Autosport.