Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc Face FIA Stewards Over Shocking Crash

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have both been called to meet with FIA stewards following a strange incident at the Spanish Grand Prix. The collision happened on the start/finish straight just as the race was restarting after a safety car period.

Verstappen, driving for Red Bull as car number 1, experienced a sharp moment of oversteer coming out of the last corner at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This allowed Leclerc, behind the wheel of car number 16 for Ferrari, to pull alongside him heading down the main straight.

The incident unfolded at 16:28 local time and caught the attention of officials almost immediately. The FIA cited an alleged breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) in their International Sporting Code, which covers the act of causing a collision.

Both drivers have been asked to appear before the stewards at 17:50 local time to give their accounts of the event. The meeting is set to determine whether either or both drivers will face penalties for the contact.

Verstappen has been in the spotlight several times this season, with this episode coming after earlier incidents involving other drivers. At this point in the 2025 season, Verstappen sits third in the points standings with 137 points, while Leclerc is fifth with 94.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri currently leads with 186 points, ahead of his teammate Lando Norris, who has 176.

The race at the Spanish Grand Prix was filled with drama beyond just the Verstappen-Leclerc clash. Earlier, there was a significant penalty handed down to Verstappen for contact with George Russell.

The results and championship standings have continued to shift as more incidents are reviewed and penalties applied. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya continues to challenge drivers, with several race incidents keeping officials busy throughout Sunday.

Following the collision with Leclerc, both teams prepared statements and video evidence to present to the FIA. The decision from the stewards is expected to play a role in the outcome of the Spanish Grand Prix, affecting both drivers’ championship hopes.

The racing community in the United Kingdom and around the world is watching closely for updates from the meeting. Reactions from other drivers and teams have already begun to surface.

Oscar Piastri secured the Spanish Grand Prix win, while Norris and Russell remain close rivals in the point standings. As the calendar moves on to the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, attention will turn to any penalties or warnings issued from this latest incident.

The findings from the FIA stewards’ meeting are set to be released shortly, potentially reshaping the next phase of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Meanwhile, the ongoing rivalry between Leclerc and Ferrari continues to be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.