Infringement Car 44 Unnecessarily Impeding Of Car 81
Hungarian Grand Prix · 2026 · 25 July 2026 · Doc 36
- Driver
- Lewis Hamilton
- Team
- Scuderia Ferrari HP
- Session
- Qualifying
2026 HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX
23 - 25 July 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Scuderia Ferrari HP Document 36 Date 25 July 2026 Time 18:36
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 32 & 33) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 44 - Lewis Hamilton Competitor Scuderia Ferrari HP Time 16:59 Session Qualifying 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. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), the driver of Car 81 (Oscar Piastri), team representatives and reviewed video, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. At the approach to Turn 1, Car 44 was travelling at a significantly reduced speed on the racing line while Car 81 was approaching on a push lap. The driver of Car 44 explained that he had just completed a fast lap and did not receive the team's radio message regarding the approaching Car 81 until the latter was already in close proximity. He further stated that, due to the positioning of his car on the track, Car 81 was not visible in his mirrors. Car 81, which was on a push lap, was forced to take avoiding action by running wide and being obliged to abort the lap. Having examined the available evidence, the Stewards determined that Car 44 unnecessarily impeded Car 81 during qualifying. In accordance with the FIA F1 Regulations and the established penalty guidelines for this type of infringement in Qualifying, the Stewards impose a three-place grid penalty on the driver of Car 44.
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.