Ferrari has been fined €50,000 for its inaccurate declaration of the fuel in Charles Leclerc’s Formula 1 car ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Less than one hour before the start of the race, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said a fuel check had revealed a “significant difference” between the declaration from the team and the amount of fuel inside the car.
This alleged breach of an FIA technical directive – TD/14-19 – was referred to the stewards, who waited until after the race to investigate.
The TD in question requires teams to declare the amount of fuel in a car for the reconnaissance laps to the grid, the formation lap, the race, the lap back to the pits and “any fire-ups that would be needed”.
In their report of the investigation, the Abu Dhabi GP stewards revealed that there was a difference of 4.88kg between what Ferrari had declared and Bauer’s measured fuel mass.
It was not known whether Ferrari was facing a sporting penalty, although Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said “I can’t see how [Leclerc] won’t be [disqualified]” when asked about the issue pre-race.
But the stewards have opted to fine Ferrari €50,000 for the inaccurate declaration, with no further punishment.
That means Leclerc’s third-place finish behind Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the grand prix stands.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto spoke to media before the decision was communicated.
He said: “I don’t think there’s much to explain -there has been a discrepancy between measurements.
“We believe that our measurements are correct. I think there is one measure which is not, but it’s in their hands.
“We’re happy on our side to understand and happy to go in detail, but it’s not part of our discussion, our decision.
“So we are simply waiting as you are.”