Doc 36 - Infringement - Car 44 - Unnecessarily impeding of Car 81
Infringements/Decisions
Infringement - Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton)
Document 36 | 25 July 2026
Session Details
- Session: Qualifying
- Time: 16:59
- No / Driver: 44 - Lewis Hamilton (Scuderia Ferrari HP)
- Competitor: Scuderia Ferrari HP
Infringement Summary
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Fact | Car 44 unnecessarily impeded Car 81. |
| Infringement | Breach of Article B4.1.1 of the FIA F1 Regulations. |
| Decision | Drop of 3 grid positions for the next Sprint/Race in which the driver participates. |
Stewards' Reasoning
The Stewards reviewed video, telemetry, team radio, and in-car video evidence, and heard from both drivers (Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri) and team representatives.
- Incident Analysis:
- Approaching Turn 1, Car 44 was travelling at a significantly reduced speed on the racing line.
- Car 81 was approaching on a push lap.
- Driver's Defense (Car 44):
- Lewis Hamilton explained he had just completed a fast lap.
- He did not receive the team's radio message regarding the approaching Car 81 until it was in close proximity.
- Due to car positioning, Car 81 was not visible in the mirrors.
- Impact (Car 81):
- Oscar Piastri (Car 81) was forced to take avoiding action by running wide and had to abort his lap.
- Conclusion:
- The Stewards determined that Car 44 unnecessarily impeded Car 81.
- In accordance with the regulations and established penalty guidelines for Qualifying, a 3-place grid penalty is imposed.
Note: Competitors have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code.