Ferrari summoned by stewards as Leclerc Abu Dhabi disqualification looms

Ferrari have been summoned by stewards at the Abu DHabi Grand Prix over a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car.

Shortly before lights out at the Yas Marina Circuit, the FIA issued a statement saying: "There was a significant difference between the declaration of the team and the amount of fuel inside the car."

It is expected that Leclerc is facing disqualification from the race.

Speaking to Sky Sports on the grid, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Ferrari would have little wriggle room if they tried to explain why it was the case.

"The interesting word is significant – a 'significant' difference," he told Martin Brundle.

"The technical regulations are black and white. It's obviously gone to the stewards for them to decide. Usually with a case like that it's either legal or it isn't."

Brundle then asked if Horner expected Leclerc to face a disqualification. The Red Bull boss replied: "If you look at the technical reg, theoretically, I can't see how he won't be."

If Ferrari are found to have fallen foul of one of the FIA's recently reinforced Technical Directives, it could signify that suspicions about their pace gains over the 2019 season have had founding.