Leclerc qualifies fifth Belgian GP after yellow flag mix-up

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc will start the Belgian Grand Prix from fourth on the grid after a yellow flag misunderstanding during qualifying cost him a potential position on Saturday, July 18. The incident occurred on his final flying lap in the third qualifying session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Leclerc was navigating the final chicane when he saw a yellow flag being waved. Believing it indicated a hazard on the track, he lifted off the throttle slightly. Officials clarified that the flag was intended only for drivers entering the pit lane, due to personnel and activity there as the session ended, and did not require drivers still on the racing circuit to slow down. The flag was waved because Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar had just parked his car in the pit lane after completing his lap.

The momentary lift cost Leclerc an estimated one-tenth of a second. He ultimately qualified fifth, just 0.024 seconds behind the Mercedes of George Russell. With McLaren's Lando Norris receiving a grid penalty, Leclerc will be promoted to fourth for Sunday's race. He expressed frustration, stating the flag was positioned in a way that was too visible from the track. He believes that...