Charles Leclerc penalised by Miami Grand Prix stewards amid multiple post-race investigations
出典: Formula 1
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc received a post-race time penalty following the Miami Grand Prix, dropping him to eighth place in the final standings. The penalty came after stewards investigated three separate potential offences that arose from a dramatic last-lap incident in which Leclerc spun and struck the barrier. The sequence of events triggered an officiating review that would ultimately alter his finishing position.
The stewards examined three allegations against Leclerc: driving a damaged car in an unsafe condition, leaving the track multiple times and gaining an advantage, and making contact with Mercedes driver George Russell at the final hairpin. All three charges were considered carefully using data, video footage, and radio communications provided by the Ferrari team. The thoroughness of the process underscored Formula 1's commitment to post-race accountability.
Ultimately, the stewards opted to issue a drive-through penalty, which was converted into a 20-second time addition since it was imposed after the race had concluded. This sanction was specifically for leaving the track on several occasions without justifiable reason. Stewards concluded that cutting the chicanes, even due to a mechanical problem, constituted gaining a lasting advantage over rivals still following the correct racing line.
Regarding the unsafe car allegation, stewards determined there was no clear or discernible mechanical issue evident from the available evidence, and therefore took no further action on that charge. On the collision with Russell at Turn 17, both drivers described the contact as a minor racing incident, and the stewards agreed, closing the investigation without penalty. Only the track-limits violation resulted in a formal sanction.
The ruling means Leclerc's Miami weekend ended on a disappointing note, with a penalty transforming what could have been a stronger result into an eighth-place finish. The case highlights how Formula 1's stewards rigorously scrutinise incidents even after the chequered flag has fallen. It also raises broader questions about the rules surrounding damaged cars and the boundaries of acceptable track-limit violations under mechanical duress.
日本語訳
フェラーリのシャルル・ルクレール選手は、マイアミ・グランプリ後にレース後タイムペナルティを受け、最終順位で8位に降格した。このペナルティは、最終ラップにスピンしてバリアに接触するという劇的な事件から生じた3つの違反容疑を審判団が調査した結果下されたものだ。
スチュワードが検討した容疑は3つあった。損傷した車を危険な状態で走行したこと、コースを複数回外れて利益を得たこと、そして最終ヘアピンでメルセデスのジョージ・ラッセルと接触したことである。いずれの容疑についても、データ、映像、無線通信を用いて慎重に審査が行われた。
最終的にスチュワードはドライブスルーペナルティを科すことを決定し、レース後の通告であったため20秒加算に換算された。この制裁は、正当な理由なく複数回コースを外れたことに対するものだ。機械的なトラブルがあったとしても、シケインをカットしたことは他のドライバーに対する持続的な有利を得たと判断された。
危険走行の容疑については、証拠から明確な機械的問題が認められなかったとして不問となった。ラッセルとのターン17での接触についても、両ドライバーが軽微なレーシングインシデントと認識しており、スチュワードもこれに同意、ペナルティなしで調査を終結した。制裁が科されたのはコース外走行の違反のみであった。
この裁定により、ルクレールのマイアミ週末は残念な結果で幕を閉じ、より上位になりえた結果が8位に変わった。この一件は、チェッカーフラッグが降られた後もF1スチュワードが厳格に事案を精査することを改めて示している。また、機械的問題を抱えた車両とコース外走行規則の境界線についての議論を呼んでいる。
重要単語・フレーズ
- penalisedverb
To be given an official punishment or disadvantage, especially in sport, for breaking a rule.
和訳: ペナルティを科される
The cyclist was penalised for taking a shortcut during the mountain stage of the race.
- officiating panelnoun
A group of officials who are responsible for judging and enforcing rules during a sporting event.
和訳: 審判団・裁定委員会
The officiating panel reviewed the footage for nearly an hour before announcing their decision.
- discernibleadjective
Able to be noticed, recognized, or understood; detectable through careful observation.
和訳: 識別できる・明らかな
There was no discernible difference in performance between the two engine configurations.
- lasting advantagephrase
A benefit that continues to affect the outcome of a competition, not merely a temporary or negligible gain.
和訳: 持続的な有利
By skipping the chicane, the driver secured a lasting advantage over the competitors behind him.
