A Costly Oversight: FIA Penalises Team for Breach of Tyre Pressure Regulations During FP1
On a weekend where every thousandth of a second counts, Ferrari found itself making headlines — not for their lap times, but for a technical infringement that cost them €5,000. The Maranello-based team received the financial penalty after Charles Leclerc’s car was found to have breached tyre pressure rules during the first free practice session at Imola.
While €5,000 may seem like pocket change for a team of Ferrari’s stature, the incident raised eyebrows in the paddock — not because of the amount, but because of what it represented: a lapse in procedural discipline, in an era where regulations are more detailed and tightly enforced than ever.
What Happened: Tyre Pressures and Technical Directives
The infringement occurred during FP1 when Charles Leclerc returned to the garage after his initial run on a set of slick tyres. Instead of switching to a new set — as is often standard — Ferrari sent Leclerc back out on the same set of tyres. However, there was a catch: the tyre pressures had been altered in the meantime.
This act, though seemingly minor, is a clear breach of the current Formula 1 sporting regulations. Under Article 30.5(a) of the FIA F1 Sporting Code, tyre pressures must not be changed after the car has left the pit garage unless certain specific procedures are followed.
According to the stewards, the infringement specifically violates Technical Directive 003G, clause 2.g.ii, which clearly states that a tyre set may be used multiple times during a single session, but adjustments like lowering pressures require adherence to defined protocols — including collecting tyre temperatures before any changes.
FIA Statement: Clear Breach, No Malicious Intent
The FIA’s official statement on the matter was meticulous, reflecting the growing emphasis on procedural precision in modern F1.
“Technical Directive 003G, article 2.g.ii specifies that a tyre may be used multiple times in a session,” the statement began. “However, if teams wish to make adjustments — such as lowering tyre pressure — specific procedures must be followed, which includes acquiring tyre temperatures before modifications are made.”
The FIA added that Ferrari’s team representative admitted to not following the required procedure. Though there was no suggestion of foul play or competitive gain, the breach was nonetheless clear.
“The team representative acknowledged that these procedures were not followed. As such, this constitutes a breach of Article 30.5(a) of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations.”
In line with previous rulings on similar infractions, the stewards levied a €5,000 fine — a measured response to a procedural misstep rather than a performance-related violation.
Why It Matters: Tyre Pressures Are More Than Just Numbers
To the average fan, adjusting tyre pressure may seem like an insignificant technicality. But in Formula 1, where teams spend millions fine-tuning the smallest performance gains, tyre pressures are critical. Lower pressures can increase mechanical grip, especially over short stints, but they also introduce risks — to performance, safety, and tyre wear.
That’s why the FIA, in collaboration with Pirelli, imposes minimum starting pressures and monitors their maintenance via direct telemetry. The procedures are there to ensure uniformity and fairness, particularly now that F1’s technical playing field is so closely contested.
A change in tyre pressure after initial use, without following the correct protocol, could create a temporary but unfair advantage, even if unintended.
Ferrari’s Challenge: The Price of Precision
Ferrari’s 2024 season has been defined by a mix of optimism and frustration. The SF-24 has shown moments of brilliance, especially in qualifying, and Charles Leclerc remains one of the sport’s most naturally gifted qualifiers. But operational consistency has sometimes eluded the team — and this latest incident only reinforces that narrative.
While the team has otherwise kept its nose clean this season, this slip-up suggests that even at the very top level, process discipline is everything.
In the past, Ferrari has been criticised for pit stop errors, strategy mishaps, and questionable calls under pressure. While this particular case was more procedural than strategic, it still points to an area that championship-winning teams often have locked down to perfection.
The Bigger Picture: Regulations Getting Tighter, Enforcement Getting Sharper
Incidents like this also highlight how Formula 1 continues to evolve off-track. With performance gaps shrinking and technologies converging, race control and regulatory enforcement have stepped into a bigger spotlight.
Today, it’s not just about building a fast car. It’s about executing with military-level precision — in strategy, in mechanics, and yes, even in the tyre garage.
Teams now operate under intense scrutiny. Sensors monitor tyre temperatures, pressures, wear rates, and even minute vibrations. Deviations are flagged instantly. There is nowhere to hide — and no room for guesswork.
A Note on Consistency: How This Fine Compares to Previous Cases
To the FIA’s credit, this wasn’t a one-off decision. Past incidents involving similar tyre regulation breaches have resulted in similar fines, typically ranging from €5,000 to €25,000 depending on the context and potential advantage gained.
What makes this case relatively mild is that the change likely didn’t produce a significant gain — it happened during practice, not qualifying or the race — and the team accepted the error without protest.
Had this occurred during a competitive session with points on the line, the penalty could have included grid drops or disqualification.
What’s Next for Ferrari?
The team will no doubt treat this as a learning opportunity. With the European leg of the season in full swing and high-speed circuits like Barcelona and Silverstone coming up, procedural discipline will be more crucial than ever.
For Leclerc, this is unlikely to dent his focus. The Monegasque driver remains fiercely determined to secure his first win of the season — and preferably on home soil in Monaco next weekend.
For Ferrari, meanwhile, the key will be tightening operational margins, ensuring that their strong car and talented drivers aren’t let down by the fine print in the rulebook.
Final Thoughts: A Reminder in the Details
Ferrari’s €5,000 fine won’t affect their championship standings. It probably won’t even make the Sunday broadcast. But it serves as a small — yet important — reminder that in Formula 1, success is measured not just in podiums and points, but in paperwork, procedures, and pressure.
Because in a sport where the difference between victory and defeat can be less than a tenth of a second, every PSI matters.
