Lewis Hamilton Under FIA Investigation for Red Flag Breach at Singapore GP

Lewis Hamilton's Singapore Grand Prix weekend faces a potential setback as the FIA has launched an investigation into a possible red flag infringement during FP3. The Mercedes driver was noted for the breach shortly after Liam Lawson's heavy crash brought out the red flag, raising concerns about a potential penalty.

Why it matters:

• A penalty for a red flag infraction, even a minor one, could significantly impact Hamilton's starting position for the Singapore Grand Prix, a race where grid slot is notoriously crucial for success given the challenging street circuit's limited overtaking opportunities.
• Such an incident also highlights the FIA's strict enforcement of safety protocols, especially after a car-damaging crash, ensuring all drivers adhere to the rules designed to protect marshals and other competitors.

The details:

• The incident occurred during Free Practice 3 (FP3) when Liam Lawson of AlphaTauri crashed heavily into the wall, triggering a red flag period.
• Race control initially noted the incident involving Hamilton.
• Stewards later deemed there were sufficient grounds to warrant a full investigation into Hamilton's actions.
• The investigation is scheduled to take place after the conclusion of FP3, meaning any potential penalty would be determined before qualifying.

What's next:

• The outcome of the FIA investigation will dictate whether Hamilton faces a grid penalty or other sanctions for the Singapore GP. Historically, red flag breaches can lead to significant grid drops, which would be a considerable blow to Mercedes' hopes on a circuit where they were expecting a stronger performance.