F1 Officials Investigate Charles Leclerc's Car Before Japanese GP

According to the document signed by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, the inspection focused on several components linked to the rear wing adjuster system, including the sensors attached to the system and their connections to the FIA’s standard electronic control unit (ECU).

Officials also reviewed the routing of wiring looms, actuator types, and sensor installations to ensure the Ferrari complied with Formula 1’s technical regulations.

What FIA Checked and Final Verdict

The FIA document explained that multiple systems were examined as part of the physical inspection. Under Article C3.11.6, officials reviewed:

• The number and type of actuators and sensors
• The connection to the FIA standard ECU
• The installation of sensors

Additional checks were also conducted under Article C8, including:

• Identification of sensors and actuator valves
• Homologation status of components
• Data logging signals and FIA documentation submissions

After completing these checks, the FIA concluded that the Ferrari fully complied with the 2026 Formula 1 Technical Regulations, meaning Leclerc’s result from the Chinese Grand Prix remains unaffected.

Post-race inspections like this are common in F1, with cars from the top-ten finishers often selected randomly for deeper technical scrutiny to ensure compliance with the regulations. For instance, George Russell's Mercedes was selected randomly for a similar inspection before the Chinese Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc Frustrated With New F1 Qualifying Regulations

The inspection news also comes during a weekend when several drivers have voiced frustration about the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations, particularly the complex energy-management systems affecting qualifying.

Leclerc himself recently expressed his frustration with how the new cars behave over a single lap. “I honestly can’t stand qualifying, it’s a f---ing joke,” the Monégasque driver told the media after qualifying. “I go faster in corners, throttle earlier, for f---ing sake, I’m losing everything in the straight.”

The comments follow widespread debate about the new qualifying energy-deployment rules introduced this season, which have already forced the FIA to make adjustments ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Despite the criticism from drivers and fans, Leclerc still delivered a strong qualifying performance at Suzuka, finishing fourth behind the dominant Mercedes pair and McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

Focus Turns to the Japanese Grand Prix

With the FIA confirming the legality of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari SF-26, attention now turns fully to Sunday’s race at Suzuka.

The Ferrari driver will look to challenge Mercedes and McLaren after a strong qualifying session. Meanwhile, teams across the grid continue adapting to the new technical regulations introduced for the 2026 F1 season.