After weeks of waiting, very long, this time the Federation didn't take much time to decide the final podium of the GP Japan. The man involved in the analysis it is Charles Leclerc who had to finish his race in third place in the standings.
Here comes the penalty for Leclerc!
It all happens in the parc fermé regime. On the last lap of the Suzuka GP, Charles Leclerc tries to defend the second position from the attack of Sergio Perez. With intermediate tyres, practically become slicks, the Monegasque goes wide at the last corner. He makes a cut that allows him to stay ahead of the number 11 of Red Bull. Leclerc crosses the finish line from second but the response from the FIA is immediate: the episode goes under investigation.
Here comes the penalty
In the parc fermé regime, during the classic interviews, the FIA immediately communicated its decision: 5 seconds of penalty to Leclerc who therefore climbs to third position. Max Verstappen therefore, following the decision to calculate full points, is world champion for the second consecutive year!
FIA: clarity is needed
The weekend in Japan certainly doesn't end very well for Leclerc and for the Ferrari which, now officially, will have to focus on next season. Verstappen wins and it is deservedly so sample, but it is time for the Federation to assume a little more consistency, even more on timing than on decisions.
