JUST IN: Lewis Hamilton given FIA penalty verdict at Singapore Grand Prix… Read more
Lewis Hamilton given FIA penalty verdict at Singapore Grand Prix
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has once again managed to avoid punishment from the FIA after being investigated for a red flag infringement during the final practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The drama unfolded during FP3, when Liam Lawson’s crash triggered a red flag, forcing all cars to reduce speed immediately as the marshals attended to the scene. However, Hamilton was soon summoned by the stewards after telemetry data showed he was driving at a higher-than-expected speed while the red flag was being displayed.
Under Formula 1 regulations, drivers are required to slow down substantially and adhere to a prescribed delta time whenever red flags are shown — a rule designed to ensure safety for marshals, drivers, and track personnel. Hamilton’s pace during the caution period appeared to breach the FIA’s minimum time requirements, leading to speculation that he might face a penalty that could affect his grid position for Sunday’s race.
However, after a thorough investigation and a detailed review of the telemetry, onboard footage, and team radio, the FIA stewards concluded that Hamilton’s actions did not constitute a breach of safety regulations. The report stated that while Hamilton’s speed was indeed higher than ideal under red flag conditions, he remained in full control of his car and did not endanger anyone on track.
“The stewards determined that although a greater reduction of speed would have been preferable, Lewis Hamilton maintained control of his vehicle at all times and did not drive in a manner that could be considered unsafe,” the official verdict read.
As a result, the governing body decided that no further action would be taken, meaning Hamilton will not face any penalty or grid drop for Sunday’s main event. The verdict brought relief not only to Hamilton and his Mercedes team but also to fans who feared another controversy could mar the weekend.
Former world champion Jenson Button, speaking on Sky Sports F1, welcomed the decision. “That’s great news,” Button said. “Nobody wants to see anyone get penalized for something that didn’t put anyone at risk. The stewards made the right call here.”
The outcome contrasts with Hamilton’s previous encounter with FIA stewards earlier in the season. In September, the British driver was handed a five-place grid penalty at the Italian Grand Prix following a yellow flag infringement prior to the Dutch GP. At that time, Hamilton had failed to slow “significantly” under double waved yellow flags, though he did lift off and brake earlier than usual. His efforts to slow down helped reduce what could have been a ten-place drop to just five places on the grid.
In Singapore, the FIA’s consistency in assessing each case individually was once again highlighted. Officials stressed that every incident is reviewed based on context, data, and the potential for risk — not merely on raw speed figures.
Meanwhile, Ferrari were not as fortunate during the same weekend. The Italian team was fined €10,000 after an unsafe release involving Charles Leclerc during FP2 caused him to make contact with Lando Norris’s McLaren in the pit lane. Although the incident resulted in damage and drew the attention of the stewards, Leclerc himself escaped a sporting penalty, with the FIA opting to fine the team instead.
For Hamilton, the lack of penalty comes as a timely boost ahead of qualifying. The Mercedes driver has been in strong form all weekend, showing competitive pace in practice as he aims to secure a front-row start under the dazzling lights of Marina Bay.
This ruling means that Hamilton can now focus entirely on performance without the distraction of disciplinary uncertainty. With Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren all showing competitive pace, every advantage could prove crucial in one of the most physically demanding and strategically complex circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
As the grid prepares for qualifying, fans can look forward to an intense battle at the Singapore Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton once again free to chase victory without the shadow of an FIA penalty looming over him.
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