Despite Heavy Grid Penalities, This F1 Loophole Lets Charles Leclerc Start Ahead of His Rival Max Verstappen

The 2022 Formula 1 championship battle has undoubtedly been intense so far. At the beginning of the season, it looked as though Ferrari and Charles Leclerc had it in the bag. However, as the season progressed, Red Bull and Max Verstappen have taken control and now sit comfortably at the top with an 80-point advantage.

Ferrari certainly cannot afford to be complacent in this second half of the season. At the Belgian Grand Prix, they’ve seemingly pulled a masterstroke and have gotten one up on their title rivals Red Bull. Ferrari have exploited a loophole in the FIA’s Sporting Regulations to ensure that Leclerc starts ahead of Verstappen on Sunday.

According to the documents released by the FIA, Charles Leclerc took three different Power Unit components (two before FP1 and one before FP2). This warrants a 10-place and a 5-place grid drop respectively. However, his title rival Max Verstappen changed all his engine components before FP1. This means that the Dutch driver will start the race from the back of the grid. While Leclerc will be handed only a 15-place grid drop.

Read More: Charles Leclerc Laughs Off Tensions With Championship Leader Max Verstappen but Forewarns Lewis Hamilton-Like Rivalry Should Tables Turn

These penalties are given out in line with Article 28.2 of the Sporting Regulations. This will ensure that the Monegasque will start ahead of Verstappen should he be able to finish in the top 5 come Qualifying on Saturday.

Charles Leclerc still confident about the championship amid Spa grid penalty

In light of the new engine components taken by Leclerc, he will be starting the race tomorrow from the bottom half of the grid. However, the Monegasque is still confident about the race and his title chances.

He rationalized this approach by explaining that, “everyone still needs to take penalties as well.” This also includes his championship rival Max Verstappen, who currently sits atop the championship standings. And Leclerc has admitted that catching up will be a, “very difficult challenge”. However, Leclerc has finished in the points starting from the back of the grid once already this season, in Canada.

WATCH THIS STORY: Not Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc: Red Bull Chief Picks This F1 Driver for ‘Surprise of the Year’ 

Will Charles Leclerc be able to restart his championship campaign at Spa? Or will Max Verstappen take the cherry once again before his home Grand Prix next weekend? Let us know in the comments below.