Summary
Car 16 (Leclerc) received a drive-through penalty for leaving the track multiple times and gaining an advantage, despite a mechanical issue.
Explanation
Charles Leclerc (Car 16) was given a drive-through penalty (20 seconds added to race time) for leaving the track multiple times during the final lap, cutting chicanes after a spin and wall contact. The stewards determined he gained a lasting advantage and that his mechanical issue did not justify track departures. No further action was taken regarding driving an unsafe car, as no obvious mechanical issue was evident.
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Referenced regulations
FIA F1 Regulations - Article B1.8.6
B1.8.6 Drivers must make every reasonable e‘ort to use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason. Drivers will be judged to have left the track if no part of the F1 Car remains in contact with it and, for the avoidance of doubt, any white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not. Should an F1 Car leave the track the driver may re-join, however, this may only be done when it is safe to do so and without gaining any lasting advantage. At the absolute discretion of the Race Director a driver may be given the opportunity to give back the whole of any advantage they gained by leaving the track. 2026 Form ula 1: Sporting Regulations 27 February 2026 B 0 SECTION B: SPORTING REGULATIONS
B1.8.7 Any driver whose car has significant and obvious damage to a structural component which results
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