Infringement Car 44 Yellow Flags Failing To Slow
British Grand Prix · 2026 · 5 July 2026 · Doc 75
- Driver
- Lewis Hamilton
- Team
- Scuderia Ferrari HP
- Session
- Race
2026 BRITISH GRAND PRIX
03 - 05 July 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Scuderia Ferrari HP Document 75 Date 05 July 2026 Time 18:27
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (document 73) and heard from the driver and team representative, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 44 - Lewis Hamilton Competitor Scuderia Ferrari HP Time 16:03
Session Race
Fact Car 44 failed to slow for a single yellow flag at Turn 9 on Lap 38. Infringement Breach of Article B1.8.4 a. of the FIA F1 Regulations. Decision Driver: Reprimand (Driving). This is the driver's 1st reprimand of the season. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), the team representative and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry and in-car video evidence. HAM entered the relevant sector before any yellow flag or yellow light panel was displayed, with no such indication present before Turn 9. The first light panel encountered after Turn 9 was displaying green immediately before Turn 10. The yellow indication on the steering wheel display only appeared once the driver was already on the straight towards Turn 10 and close to the end of the yellow flag zone. The evidence showed that there was no yellow light panel warning within the driver's immediate field of vision and that the yellow indication on the steering wheel display remained visible for only a very short period. The Stewards were therefore satisfied that the time available for the driver to react to the yellow flag indication was very limited. The Stewards also accept that, immediately prior to entering the sector, HAM had been involved in an overtaking manoeuvre with VER and that the driver was expecting a counter attack. As a result, his attention remained directed to his mirrors for most of the straight towards Turn 10, rather than immediately towards the green light panel at the end of the sector. The Stewards took this into account when considering whether the visibility of the green light panel should itself have made it clear to the driver that he was still within a yellow flag zone. The Stewards nevertheless determine that, after the yellow had been displayed on the steering wheel display and the green light panel was illuminated immediately before Turn 10, HAM did not make a discernible reduction of speed and therefore did not fully comply with the requirements applicable under a single yellow flag.
The Stewards In determining the penalty, the Stewards took into account that HAM had entered the sector before the yellow was shown, that the yellow indication reached the driver only when he was already near the end of the sector, that the time and distance available to react were very limited, and that the driver's attention had, for understandable reasons, been occupied by the immediately preceding battle with another car. In those circumstances, the Stewards considered that a Reprimand was the appropriate penalty. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits. Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.