Ferrari’s Smart Move Helps Hamilton Avoid Penalty as FIA Faces Backlash
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari appear to have executed a clever strategic move at the Brazilian Grand Prix — one that not only mitigated the damage from a frustrating weekend but also helped the seven-time world champion avoid carrying penalties into the next race in Las Vegas.
The race at Interlagos was a difficult one for Hamilton from start to finish. His Ferrari suffered heavy damage after two on-track collisions — first with Carlos Sainz at Turn 1, and later with Franco Colapinto while trying an ambitious overtake. The latter incident cost him a front wing and effectively ruined any chance of scoring points. For most of the race, Hamilton found himself running at the back of the pack, far from the performance level fans had come to expect.
Yet, instead of retiring the car early as many drivers would have in such a situation, Hamilton and Ferrari made the unusual decision to keep circulating around the circuit until lap 40 of the 71-lap race. To the casual viewer, this might have seemed pointless — the car was heavily damaged, and Hamilton’s pace was nowhere near competitive. But the reasoning behind this move was far more strategic.
Under FIA regulations, if a driver fails to finish 90% of the race distance, the race is classified as a “retirement.” In some cases, when a driver retires due to mechanical failure or accident, penalties or component-related consequences — such as grid drops for changing power unit parts or gearbox components — can carry over to the next event. By completing more than half of the Brazilian Grand Prix distance before finally heading to the pits, Hamilton and Ferrari effectively ensured that any potential grid penalties or reprimands linked to the race would not roll over to Las Vegas.
This clever interpretation of the rulebook has drawn attention and even some mockery toward the FIA, as fans online noted how Hamilton and Ferrari appeared to have outsmarted the system. Memes and jokes quickly spread across social media, with many calling the tactic a “penalty trick” that turned a miserable weekend into a strategic win.
For Hamilton, the decision reflects a deep understanding of Formula 1’s complex sporting regulations — and a refusal to give up even when things look hopeless. Completing over half the race distance ensured that Hamilton would be officially classified as a finisher, despite being well outside the points. It also safeguarded Ferrari’s component usage plan for the remaining races in the season, as early retirements sometimes trigger unwanted part replacements or inspections.
Ferrari’s pit wall deserves credit for the call as well. Despite an uncompetitive car and a damaged setup, the team kept Hamilton out to maintain a legal advantage. It demonstrated their commitment to thinking strategically even in moments of failure — a mindset that has defined many top-tier F1 operations over the years.
Meanwhile, critics of the FIA were quick to highlight how such loopholes exist in the rulebook. Many fans argued that if teams can exploit classification rules in this way, then the sporting regulations may need tightening. “Only in F1 can finishing last be a strategy,” one fan wrote online, summing up the irony of the situation.
In the end, Hamilton’s weekend in Brazil may have been one to forget in terms of results, but Ferrari’s awareness and timely decision-making helped him avoid further complications ahead of Las Vegas. What began as a disastrous race — filled with collisions, penalties, and poor pace — ended with a small but significant victory in the form of a clean slate for the next Grand Prix.
As Formula 1 heads to the glittering lights of Las Vegas, Hamilton and Ferrari will hope to bounce back with stronger performance and cleaner execution. And while the FIA may not appreciate being trolled over their own rulebook, one thing is clear: in the complex chess game of Formula 1, even finishing last can be part of a master plan.
