Charles Leclerc received a five-second time penalty following the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix for causing a collision with Liam Lawson. The penalty, issued post-race, demoted the Ferrari driver from seventh to eighth position in the final classification. This decision promoted Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson to seventh place.
The incident occurred at Turn 12, known as Junção, during the closing stages of the race. Leclerc made contact with Lawson’s left-rear wheel while battling for position. Both drivers were summoned to the stewards after the race for an investigation into the contact.
The FIA stewards concluded that Leclerc was responsible for the collision. Their verdict stated that Lawson had the right to the corner under Formula 1’s Driving Standard Guidelines. Leclerc was required to take the necessary steps to avoid contact.
Stewards determined that the contact, although minor, provided Leclerc with a sporting advantage. It disrupted Lawson’s car, allowing Leclerc to close the gap and subsequently overtake five corners later. Lawson reported that the contact damaged his car’s rear left rim.
In mitigation, the wet track conditions and the minor nature of the contact were considered. This led to a five-second time penalty being imposed, rather than a more severe ten-second sanction.
Liam Lawson commented on the incident, stating, ‘I think it was his wing that hit my tyre. So I think we got really lucky.’ He further remarked, ‘I feel like it was exactly like his GP2 move in Abu Dhabi on Albon years ago. He did the same kind of thing. So maybe it’s his speciality.’
I feel like it was exactly like his GP2 move in Abu Dhabi on Albon years ago. He did the same kind of thing. So maybe it’s his speciality.
Leclerc’s race was already complicated by a ten-place grid penalty for an Internal Combustion Engine change. He started 14th on the grid. He described Ferrari’s wet-weather performance as a ‘lottery’ and the SF-26 as ‘undriveable’ during the initial stint due to difficulties generating tyre temperature.
The 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix was won by Lando Norris for McLaren. Max Verstappen finished second after starting 21st, with Isack Hadjar completing the podium for Red Bull.
Mercedes secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at Interlagos, with George Russell finishing fourth and Kimi Antonelli fifth. Antonelli, along with Haas driver Oliver Bearman, also received five-second penalties for unsafe pit lane releases, though these did not alter their final positions.
Lawson’s seventh-place finish earned him six championship points, increasing his season tally to 89. This marks his 15th points finish of the 2026 season, equalling Pierre Gasly’s record for a Racing Bulls driver. Lawson currently holds ninth position in the Drivers’ Championship.
Reports indicate that Lawson is nearing a 2027 Formula 1 race deal with Racing Bulls, following his consistent performances throughout the season. He had a temporary return to Red Bull earlier in 2026 due to an injury sustained by Isack Hadjar.
Leclerc’s 2026 season with Ferrari has been marked by challenges, including persistent issues with tyre temperatures and overall car performance in varying conditions.
