Lewis Hamilton has been issued a three-place grid penalty for the Hungarian Grand Prix following an incident during qualifying. The penalty means Hamilton, who initially secured P2, will now start the race from fifth position. The decision by the stewards came after Hamilton was found to have impeded Oscar Piastri of McLaren during a crucial qualifying lap.
The incident occurred as drivers were preparing for their final attempts in Q3. Hamilton had just completed a fast lap and was moving slowly on the racing line at Turn 1 when Piastri, on a push lap, approached. Piastri was forced to take evasive action, running wide and aborting his lap, which ultimately left him in P5.
Stewards’ Decision and Driver Reaction
Following the qualifying session, the stewards initiated an investigation, hearing from both Hamilton and Piastri, as well as team representatives. They reviewed various forms of evidence, including video, telemetry, and team radio communications. The stewards concluded that Hamilton’s car was traveling at a significantly reduced speed on the racing line, and he did not receive a timely radio message from his team regarding Piastri’s approach.
Hamilton acknowledged the situation after qualifying, stating that his mind was elsewhere and he was unaware of anyone approaching on a fast lap. He explained that he thought everyone had finished their laps and did not see Piastri in his mirrors due to his car’s positioning. The stewards determined that Hamilton unnecessarily impeded Piastri, leading to the three-place grid penalty in accordance with FIA F1 Regulations.
The penalty has resulted in a reshuffling of the grid. Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli, and Piastri each moved up one position. Hamilton expressed frustration on social media, noting that despite feeling strong throughout the sessions, the outcome was disappointing. He mentioned that starting from P5 after being close to pole was frustrating and highlighted the challenge of maintaining positivity after receiving three penalties in as many weekends.
Hamilton also questioned his team’s strategy during the final runs of qualifying. He held provisional pole after the first timed laps in Q3 but was sent out early for his final attempt. He did not improve his time, while Lando Norris, who was the last driver to take to the track, managed to secure pole position. Hamilton admitted he would not have chosen to go out first, suggesting the track conditions were evolving.
Antonelli Also Penalised
In a separate incident, Kimi Antonelli also received a three-place grid penalty. Antonelli was investigated for failing to slow down sufficiently under yellow flags after Max Verstappen spun at the final corner of the Hungaroring. Antonelli stated that he lifted off the throttle when he saw the yellow flag but the stewards found his speed was slightly higher than his previous push lap, deeming his reduction in speed insufficient.
Antonelli will now start the race from seventh position, behind his team-mate George Russell. This penalty, combined with Hamilton’s, has significantly altered the starting order for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Norris secured pole position, with Leclerc moving up to second, and Piastri to third. Verstappen will start from fourth, having originally qualified sixth.
Hamilton’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, took responsibility for the incident involving Piastri, stating that the team’s message to Hamilton about Piastri’s approach came too late. He emphasized that if there was a mistake, it was the team’s. Hamilton’s penalties in recent race weekends include in-race sanctions for a false start and a first-lap collision.
Despite the setbacks, Hamilton remains hopeful for the race, citing the car’s improved pace throughout the weekend. He mentioned that the team would continue working to give themselves the best possible chance in the race.
The Hungarian Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, with build-up beginning at 12:30 PM.
Source: formula1.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
