Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Stands Firm Against McLaren’s Rule Change Proposals: “The Rules Must Be Black and White!”
In a dramatic turn of events in the world of Formula 1, Charles Leclerc has thrown down the gauntlet against McLaren’s boss, Andrea Stella, who has controversially suggested that the FIA is considering a seismic shift in the regulations surrounding plank thickness. This revelation comes on the heels of a tumultuous Las Vegas Grand Prix, where McLaren’s drivers faced disqualification due to severe porpoising issues that led to excessive wear on their car’s planks.
Stella’s assertion has sent shockwaves through the paddock, claiming that the governing body might be eyeing a new method of scrutiny regarding plank wear. “We verified together with the technical delegate that the measurement of the skid thickness was correct,” Stella said, highlighting that despite minor infractions—0.12 mm for Lando Norris and 0.26 mm for Oscar Piastri—the rules are absolute: the rear skids must maintain a minimum thickness of 9mm at the race’s conclusion across all locations.
Leclerc, however, is not buying into the narrative of potential leniency. Ahead of the highly anticipated Qatar Grand Prix, the Ferrari star emphatically defended the current framework, insisting that the integrity of the sport relies on clear and unyielding regulations. “There needs to be black and white rules and those rules need to be respected,” Leclerc proclaimed, echoing the sentiment that ambiguity only breeds chaos.
The Monegasque driver acknowledged the complexities teams face when pushing the envelope of performance, saying, “It’s a very tricky rule because, to be honest, I’m sure none of the teams here are targeting to be illegal. You just try to be on the limit.” He pointed out that external factors, such as changing track conditions like the bumpy surface in Vegas, complicate the challenge, yet he remains steadfast that the rules should not be relaxed. “So yeah, I wouldn’t relax it or take it off,” he concluded with conviction.
Adding fuel to the fire, Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli weighed in on the McLaren debacle, suggesting that the upcoming regulations in 2026, which aim to reduce ground effect, may alleviate such plank wear issues. “You need to set a limit, and if you go above or beyond the limit, of course, you’re gaining an advantage,” Antonelli stated, emphasizing that rules are in place for a reason. He recalled Mercedes facing a similar situation in Austin 2023, resulting in disqualification, underscoring the unforgiving nature of technical regulations.
As the drama unfolds ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, all eyes will be on whether the FIA will heed the calls for change or reinforce the current rules. The tension between teams and the governing body is palpable, and with Leclerc’s staunch defense of the status quo, the battle lines have been drawn. Will the FIA maintain its hardline stance, or will McLaren’s outcry lead to a significant shift in the rules? Only time will tell in this high-stakes game of speed, precision, and regulations!
