Breaking: Late FIA Penalty Drops Lewis Hamilton on Spanish GP Grid to p…read more
Lewis Hamilton Demoted to P8 After FIA Penalty Ahead of Spanish Grand Prix
In a significant last-minute decision, the FIA has handed Lewis Hamilton a three-place grid penalty for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, demoting him from his original fifth-place starting position to eighth. The penalty comes after an investigation into an incident during Saturday’s qualifying session, in which Hamilton was found to have impeded Esteban Ocon in Q2.
The incident occurred when Hamilton remained on the racing line during Ocon’s flying lap, despite receiving warnings from the Ferrari pit wall. Stewards reviewed the footage and concluded that Hamilton’s actions constituted “avoidable interference.” As a result, the governing body issued a formal statement confirming the grid drop.
“Car 44 failed to adequately yield to Car 31 during a timed lap, causing obstruction,” the FIA’s statement read. “A three-place grid penalty is therefore warranted.”
This decision has sparked some frustration within the Ferrari garage, with team principal Frédéric Vasseur expressing concern about the timing of the penalty rather than the ruling itself. “We disagree with the timing, but we respect the decision,” Vasseur stated. “Lewis is focused and motivated, and we’ll do everything we can to fight back during the race.”
Hamilton’s penalty has triggered a reshuffle in the starting grid order, particularly among the mid-field drivers. His Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, gains a position and will now start from sixth place. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is promoted to seventh, benefitting from the change. Meanwhile, Hamilton will have to begin the race from eighth—on a circuit known for its limited overtaking opportunities, making his path to the front considerably more difficult.
The revised starting grid features a strong front row for McLaren, with Oscar Piastri on pole position and teammate Lando Norris alongside him in second. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen slots into third, ahead of the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who round out the top five. With Leclerc now in sixth and Alonso in seventh, the revised grid paints a challenging picture for Hamilton, who must navigate a congested midfield on race day.
Updated Top 10 Starting Grid:
1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
With a tough race ahead, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he attempts to recover positions from eighth on a track where passing is notoriously difficult. The Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM local time in Barcelona, with high expectations for strategy, tire management, and possibly even team orders to come into play as the grid gets underway.
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