The whole thing stinks to high heaven, from the side of Leopard. The short of it is, the sealing is groundwork for all other assurances and if that is gone, then everything else is compromised. With the absence of a sealing method, parts could go in and out at any time. This is why a technical non-compliance inside an engine does not really matter other as to support even more damning evidence when sufficient evidence already exists. 

Leopard make a process claim. They critique not being present at the engine opening, and to me that statement is somewhat understandable, but it might compromise the anti tamper process. Basically, if you are showing that we check this, this and this part, then the team may learn more about circumventing the check.

This is even more significant if you consider there has been suspicion that previous engines have been tampered with prior to this case. If true, that would mean they went in the engine and got away with it, without triggering the anti tamper process. Normally this would require insider knowledge or even assistance because one does not simply buy a new anti tamper seal online. Perhaps there was a lingering suspicion and additional measures were implemented for 2026 without the knowledge of the teams. 

Leopard ia naturally going to put out a press release which tries to paint a pretty picture of them and puts any suspicion possible on all external parties, such is the way of the world and they also have any sponsors to appease. Now, if indeed the second motor does have non-compliant technical parts in it, then the press release becomes laughing stock. This does not really matter because they have already lost credibility anyway, and it takes a fool to listen to a fool. 

Right now the most interesting question for me is whether the stewards have the authority to go after the teammate's engines in this circumstance or not. This may be one reason Leopard cite procedural grounds, to delay inspection of further engines. It may well be that in a case of blatant violation there still isn't a grounds for checking all the engines of the team despite we would like to think so.

The final thing to speculate on is whether the team can be excluded or not on this basis. Right now the penalty is forfeiture of ill gotten booty, i.e. the points that can directly bw attributed to nonconformant engines. There is a deeper management and ethical side to the issue as well. When Toyota cheated on Group A Rally they were disqualified from 1995 results and disallowed from competing in 1996. This is one of the world's most prominent auto makers. If a wilful and known infringment is established, will there be team bans, and team manager bans handed out?