F1 NEWS: FIA announce Lewis Hamilton penalty verdict after Mia…read more

F1 NEWS: FIA announce Lewis Hamilton penalty verdict after Mia…read more

The FIA has officially issued a ruling following an investigation into an on-track incident involving Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz during the final laps of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The collision, which occurred during a close-fought battle for eighth place, saw both drivers make contact at Turn 17, prompting race stewards to examine whether either competitor breached the International Sporting Code.

Sainz, driving for Williams, attempted a bold move down the inside of Hamilton’s Ferrari at the tight right-hander, leading to both cars brushing against each other at the corner’s apex. This maneuver drew attention under Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) of the Code, which governs safe overtaking conduct and car positioning during wheel-to-wheel racing.

However, after reviewing telemetry and onboard footage, the stewards concluded that neither driver held full responsibility for the collision. While Sainz initiated the overtake, he was not far enough alongside Hamilton to claim the racing line as his own. The FIA determined that his position did not entitle him to force his way through in that particular corner.

Conversely, Hamilton was found to have turned into the corner slightly earlier than normal, a move that compromised Sainz’s attempt to pass. While not egregious enough to warrant a penalty on its own, the stewards did find it contributed to the contact. Since both drivers played a role in the incident and no one driver was solely at fault, the decision was made to take no further action. As a result, Hamilton escaped a post-race penalty and retained his finishing position in the race standings.

Hamilton’s Frustration with Ferrari Strategy on Full Display

The race was not without tension for Hamilton, who grew increasingly frustrated with Ferrari’s race management during the event. Early in the race, Hamilton found himself stuck behind teammate Charles Leclerc, and repeatedly urged the team over the radio to orchestrate a position swap. Ferrari delayed the decision, much to Hamilton’s annoyance.

When the team finally allowed the swap, Hamilton responded with a sarcastic message over the team radio: “Have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!” His comment revealed his growing impatience and dissatisfaction with what he perceived as slow decision-making.

Later, the situation intensified when he was informed that Carlos Sainz, running just 1.4 seconds behind, was closing in. Hamilton, now in a defensive position, responded with more sarcasm, asking if the team also wanted him to “let Sainz through as well.”

After the race, Hamilton addressed his frustrations during an interview with Sky Sports F1. He explained that his irritation stemmed from a sense of urgency and the desire to maximize the team’s performance during crucial race moments. “I lost a lot of time behind Charles, and in that moment, for sure, I was like, ‘come on, let’s make a decision quick, let’s not waste time,’” Hamilton said.

While acknowledging that some of his remarks may have ruffled feathers, Hamilton stood by his right to express dissatisfaction in the heat of competition. “I’m sure people didn’t like certain comments, but you’ve got to understand—it’s frustrating,” he added.

Despite the dramatic on-track action and radio drama, Hamilton ultimately secured points for the team, though the post-race narrative was dominated by the strategic miscues and the FIA investigation. Fortunately for him, the stewards’ verdict means he can move forward without the burden of a penalty as the F1 circus heads to its next destination.