Leclerc warns F1 over dangerous precedent after Verstappen penalty escape

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has warned Max Verstappen's penalty escape during qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix could lead to "bad situations" for F1 moving forward.

The championship leader was placed under investigation for three separate incidents during qualifying last weekend but escaped with just two reprimands, whilst no action was taken over what was a meleé involving numerous cars in the final sector.

Questions have been asked over his impeding of AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda and when he came to a halt to create a gap in the pit lane, given previous penalties for rivals for similar offences.

Addressing concerns over consistency, Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.com: "I was a bit surprised, especially the one in the pit lane because that could open quite bad situations in the future.

"It is always an open discussion with the FIA and trying to explain to them what our point of view is and improve.

"I am sure we will have that discussion in the [drivers'] briefing."

Working closely with the FIA

Adding his thoughts over Verstappen's escape and the consistency of F1's stewarding, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton conceded: "I didn't really see [the incidents].

"I was in the pit lane when everyone stopped and I couldn't see what was happening up ahead.

"We always push and work as closely we can with the FIA to have consistency and there is some variation, so we need to continue to work on it for sure."