Spanish Grand Prix: FIA Announces Lewis Hamilton Penalty Verdict

Spanish Grand Prix: FIA Announces Lewis Hamilton Penalty Verdict Following Investigation

The FIA has officially concluded its investigation involving Lewis Hamilton and issued a verdict regarding a potential penalty at the Spanish Grand Prix. The inquiry came after concerns were raised that Hamilton, along with two other drivers, may have breached specific Formula One sporting regulations during qualifying.

The seven-time world champion returned to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Saturday, a venue where he has celebrated six career victories. This race weekend marked his first qualifying session at the Spanish Grand Prix since his high-profile switch to Ferrari. Hamilton impressed many by outperforming his team-mate Charles Leclerc, securing P5 on the grid for Sunday’s race.

However, shortly after the session, F1’s governing body, the FIA, launched an investigation into Hamilton, Esteban Ocon, and Lance Stroll. The trio was suspected of violating Article 33.4 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and Article 12.2.1(i) of the FIA International Sporting Code. These rules pertain to minimum lap time limits between the two Safety Car lines during qualifying.

Specifically, all three drivers were flagged for allegedly exceeding the 1:25.0 minimum time in certain sectors of the circuit—a rule designed to maintain safe speeds and prevent drivers from impeding others during slow laps.

Following a detailed review of various data sources, including marshalling and positioning data, timing information, and footage from onboard and CCTV cameras, the FIA issued a formal statement.

“All drivers concerned stayed at or above speeds necessary to stay below 1:25.0 around the vast majority of the circuit,” the statement read. “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 of the findings, no penalties were issued to Hamilton, Ocon, or Stroll. The stewards acknowledged that although the minimum time limit was approached or slightly exceeded in specific instances, the drivers’ overall behavior did not warrant disciplinary action, particularly given their efforts to maintain safety and fair competition during qualifying.

This decision ensures that Hamilton will retain his P5 starting position for the Spanish Grand Prix, setting up an exciting race as he looks to return to the podium in his new Ferrari colors.