Max Verstappen has been handed two extra points in the world championship after Charles Leclerc was handed a post-race penalty. The Ferrari star pitted for soft tyres late on in a bid to get the extra point for fastest lap.
However, the FIA said Leclerc had driven too fast down the pitlane which saw him awarded a five-second penalty. The FIA report explained Leclerc had travelled one km/h too quickly during his stop in a massive blow.
It read: “The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, have considered the following matter and determine the following.
“Breach of Article 34.7 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Decision five second time penalty.
“Car 16 exceeded the pit lane speed limit which is set at 80 km/h for this Event by 1.0 km/h. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.”
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“Especially with the pace they have shown this weekend it’s going to be very difficult. But I will keep my head down and try to focus race by race and do my best.”
Alonso laughed after the race when he was asked whether he was shocked at Leclerc’s late pit stop. He told Sky Sports F1: “I was surprised but Ferrari does some strange strategies.”
Despite the advantage, Red Bull boss Christian Horner claimed the team were not getting carried away. He said: “It’s encouraging but you can never allow yourself to start thinking too far ahead.
“It’s about the next rave in Zandvoort and then the weekend after in Monza. I have to say the team, the whole team, the race team. Trackside, back in the factory, back in Milton Keynes, every single department is doing their bit.
“That’s what enables us to have a car and the kind of performance we had today.”
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