Shocking: FIA announce Hamilton and Verstappen penalty verdict at Qatar Grand Prix…Read more
FIA announce Hamilton and Verstappen penalty verdict at Qatar Grand Prix
The FIA has delivered its verdict on the investigation involving 17 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, after sprint qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix.
This inquiry stemmed from drivers allegedly failing to adhere to a minimum lap time of 1:40.0, a rule designed to prevent bunching during sessions.
Lando Norris claimed pole position for the sprint race, showcasing McLaren’s strong form in their battle with Ferrari for the Constructors’ Championship.
His teammate Oscar Piastri secured P3, while Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished P4 and P5, respectively.
Despite the on-track performances, the session was overshadowed by the FIA’s investigation into Hamilton, Verstappen, and 15 others.
Alongside the two world champions, drivers under scrutiny included Norris, Piastri, Sainz, Leclerc, George Russell, Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri Bottas, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, and Zhou Guanyu.
The alleged infraction revolved around exceeding the minimum lap time during the session.
However, after reviewing the incidents, the FIA determined no penalties were necessary.
Their official statement explained that the drivers had taken appropriate measures to avoid impeding others and had slowed down when required to provide clear tracks for competing drivers.
“The stewards determined that the drivers took appropriate actions to not impede other drivers, and where required slowed down significantly to allow other drivers to pass while giving those drivers a clear track,” the FIA’s statement read.
“The stewards therefore determine that the drivers concerned did not drive ‘unnecessarily slowly,’ and that evidently the reason they were above the maximum time was due to their appropriate actions and take no further action.”
With the matter resolved, attention now shifts back to the on-track battles, particularly McLaren’s momentum in the Constructors’ Championship fight against Ferrari.
The decision ensures that the grid positions for the sprint race remain unaffected by the investigation.
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