Stewards Clear Hamilton Over Singapore GP Red Flag Incident

Lewis Hamilton has been cleared by the Stewards following an investigation into his conduct during a red flag period in FP3 of the Singapore Grand Prix. Despite initial concerns about his speed, telemetry data confirmed that the Ferrari driver adhered to all regulations, preventing any penalties.

Why it matters:

Ferrari is keen to avoid any unnecessary penalties or distractions as they push for a strong performance in Singapore, a circuit known for its unpredictability. For Hamilton, maintaining a clean record is crucial, especially as every point and position matters in a competitive F1 season.

The Details:

• The incident occurred during FP3 after Liam Lawson crashed, triggering a red flag – his second crash of the weekend.
• Under red flag conditions, Appendix H, Article 2.5.4.1 b) of the International Sporting Code, and Article 37.6a of the 2025 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, mandate that “During practice all cars shall immediately reduce speed and proceed slowly back to their respective pits.”
• Investigation: Stewards summoned Hamilton and a team representative, reviewing extensive evidence including positioning/video, timing, telemetry, team radio, and in-car video.
• Telemetry Analysis: Despite Hamilton appearing to travel at a "notably high speed," telemetry data showed he remained above the required minimum time between the red flag display and pit lane entry.
• Pit Lane Entry: While his speed entering the pit lane was "marginally higher" than other cars, Hamilton maintained full control and did not drive unsafely.
• Stewards' Conclusion: Though the Stewards noted that a "greater reduction of speed would have been desirable," they found no evidence of a breach of applicable regulations.

What's next:

With the investigation concluded, Hamilton and Ferrari can now fully focus on the remainder of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, aiming for a strong qualifying performance and a competitive race. This decision ensures no grid penalties or time sanctions will impact his starting position.