The stewards determined that the fault for the incident lay with Ferrari, as they failed to provide Leclerc with adequate warning about the approaching car. While acknowledging the team’s error, the stewards ruled that the penalty must be applied as it was a clear violation of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
During the stewards’ investigation, Piastri revealed that he had to reduce his speed significantly, by 45km/h, in order to avoid contact with Leclerc. The stewards confirmed that Piastri lost half a second in that minisector due to the impeding incident.