FIA Issues Verdict on Lewis Hamilton After Spanish GP I...read more

FIA Issues Verdict on Lewis Hamilton After Spanish Grand Prix Investigation

The FIA has released its official decision regarding Lewis Hamilton following an investigation into a potential breach of Formula 1 regulations during Spanish Grand Prix qualifying.

The seven-time world champion, now racing for Ferrari, delivered a strong qualifying performance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya — a venue where he’s enjoyed six career victories. Hamilton secured P5 on the grid, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, who will start from P7.

However, shortly after the session, Hamilton was among three drivers — along with Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll — investigated for allegedly exceeding the 1:25.0 minimum lap time between the two Safety Car lines during qualifying. The investigation focused on a possible violation of Article 33.4 of the FIA Sporting Regulations and Article 12.2.1 (i) of the International Sporting Code.

After reviewing timing data, positioning, onboard footage, and CCTV, the FIA determined that although the drivers did exceed the time threshold, they did so without impeding others on track. In fact, all three were found to have acted appropriately by slowing down to give other drivers clear space.

In an official statement, the FIA explained:

“All drivers concerned stayed at or above speeds necessary to stay below 1:25.0 around the vast majority of the circuit. However, in all cases, the stewards determined that the drivers took appropriate actions to not impede other drivers, and in all cases, they slowed down significantly to allow other drivers to pass while giving those drivers a clear track.”

As a result, no penalties will be issued, and Hamilton will maintain his P5 starting position for Sunday’s race.

This marks a positive turn for Hamilton, who has struggled to consistently outperform Leclerc during his first season with Ferrari. Saturday’s result was only the second time he’s qualified ahead of the Monegasque driver in nine races.

Reflecting on the session, Hamilton said:

“It’s definitely an improvement from where we’ve been. From my side in qualifying, it felt better. It’s really tight between all of us, so I’m aiming for the podium tomorrow.”

With the investigation now resolved, Hamilton can fully focus on Sunday’s Grand Prix, where he’ll look to convert his strong qualifying into valuable championship points — and potentially his first podium of the season outside of sprint races.