Ferrari under threat as FIA launches double Belgian GP investigation
Lewis Hamilton has had a few run ins with the FIA over the course of his F1 career
Ferrari is under investigation by the FIA following a tyre breach during Friday practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Under F1’s rules, teams are required to return two sets of tyres for each car to Pirelli after each practice session on a Friday.
Ferrari under FIA investigation after Belgian Grand Prix tyre breach
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The FIA has confirmed its decision on Ferrari since this article was published
According to a note by the FIA’s Formula 1 Technical Delegate Jo Bauer, Ferrari electronically returned two sets of dry tyres for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton following Friday’s FP1 session at Spa.
However, the team failed to return the tyres physically before the start of FP2.
Bauer reported the breach to the FIA stewards, who launched an investigation.
The Ferrari team manager is required to report to the stewards at 19:10 local time in Belgium.
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Bauer wrote: “Following FP1, the Scuderia Ferrari HP team electronically returned two sets of dry-weather tyres (sets 16-301 & 16-401) for Car 16 (LEC) in accordance with Articles B6.4.1 and B6.3.8 a) iii).
“However, the corresponding tyres were not physically returned to the Appointed Tyre Supplier before the start of the FP2. This is non-compliant with Article B6.4.2.
“Following FP1, the Scuderia Ferrari HP team electronically returned two sets of dry-weather tyres (sets 44-301 & 44-401) for Car 44 (HAM) in accordance with Articles B6.4.1 and B6.3.8 a) iii).
“However, the corresponding tyres were not physically returned to the Appointed Tyre Supplier before the start of the FP2. This is non-compliant with Article B6.4.2.
“I am reporting these matters to the stewards for their consideration.”
Ferrari had a mixed opening day in Belgium as the Scuderia goes in search of consecutive victories for the first time since the 2024 United States and Mexican grands prix.
Hamilton and Leclerc were classified second and third in FP1 as Red Bull driver Max Verstappen set the pace.
Hamilton managed fourth in FP2, albeit 0.747 seconds adrift of the pace-setting Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli, as Leclerc slipped down to 11th.
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