Leclerc's car referred to stewards over pre-race fuel breach
Ferrari is under scrutiny in the build-up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over a fuel breach that has been referred to the stewards by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer.
Bauer reported in his pre-race notes that an irregularity had been found in the amount of fuel declared to be in Charles Leclerc's car by the Ferrari team, and the amount actually found when a check was completed by FIA officials.
A bulletin was issued just 48 minutes before the start of the race confirming the matter had been referred to the stewards at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Bauer's report in full reads:
Ferrari is under scrutiny in the build-up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over a fuel breach that has been referred to the stewards by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer.
Bauer reported in his pre-race notes that an irregularity had been found in the amount of fuel declared to be in Charles Leclerc's car by the Ferrari team, and the amount actually found when a check was completed by FIA officials.
A bulletin was issued just 48 minutes before the start of the race confirming the matter had been referred to the stewards at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Bauer's report in full reads:
"The fuel declaration of car number 16 was checked before the car left the pit lane. There was a significant difference between the declaration of the team and the amount of fuel inside the car.
"As this is not in compliance with TD/12-19, I am referring the matter to the stewards for their consideration."
As per RACER's Chris Medland, the matter will be dealt with after the race in Abu Dhabi, meaning Leclerc will line up third on the grid as planned for Ferrari.
Michael Masi tells me this Ferrari fuel issue will be looked at AFTER the race. Too late now to focus on and discuss #F1 #AbuDhabiGP https://t.co/uqgRN8S7j5
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) December 1, 2019
Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner told Sky Sports in the build-up to the race that he expected Leclerc to be disqualified, saying: "I can't see how he won't be."
Horner added: "I've just seen the statement. I think the interesting thing about it is the word significant they've put in there, there's a significant difference. The technical regulations are black and white. Usually with a case like that, it's either legal or it isn't."
In a new rule for 2019, teams were required to declare the amount of fuel they were placing in the car at least two hours before the start of the race, with weight checks in place to confirm the numbers given to the FIA. These checks are random in the build-up to the beginning of the race.
It is likely the stewards will summon Ferrari after the race before taking a ruling on the matter.
