FIA announce Lewis Hamilton penalty verdict after Australian Grand Prix inc…..read more
The FIA has delivered its verdict regarding Lewis Hamilton following an investigation into an incident that took place during the Australian Grand Prix, the curtain-raiser for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The race, which took place under highly unpredictable and challenging weather conditions, turned out to be one of the most chaotic opening rounds in recent years. As intermittent rain swept across Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, even the most experienced drivers on the grid found themselves battling to keep their cars on track, while the rookies struggled to adapt to the slippery and evolving surface.
The variable weather played a key role in shaking up the running order and caused several high-profile retirements. Among those who failed to reach the chequered flag were Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar, Australian hopeful Jack Doohan, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin veteran Fernando Alonso, and promising rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Liam Lawson, who returned to a full-time race seat this season, also found himself caught out by the treacherous conditions, ending his race prematurely.
The chaos was not limited to the midfield and backmarkers, as established frontrunners like McLaren endured a torrid afternoon. Both of their drivers lost significant ground as the race progressed, particularly in the closing laps when the rain intensified and track grip became increasingly scarce. McLaren, who had entered the weekend with high expectations following a promising pre-season and strong qualifying session, could do little to stem the tide as they slipped down the order.
As for Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion was placed under investigation by the FIA stewards due to an on-track incident that occurred during the height of the race’s unpredictability. Although the specifics of the incident were initially unclear, it was believed to involve Hamilton’s conduct either during one of the race restarts or while overtaking under slippery conditions.
After a thorough review of the incident, which included analyzing onboard footage, telemetry data, and team radio communications, the FIA released an official statement confirming their decision. While Hamilton did not escape scrutiny, the governing body opted against issuing a grid penalty for the next round or a significant in-race sanction. Instead, Hamilton received a formal warning for what the stewards classified as a “misjudgment in deteriorating weather conditions.” The FIA emphasized that while Hamilton’s actions contributed to the escalating drama on track, they did not rise to the level of a serious offense that would warrant harsher disciplinary measures.
The Australian Grand Prix will undoubtedly be remembered as a dramatic and attritional race, where the elements played havoc with strategy calls and driver concentration. Teams and drivers alike faced a constantly shifting challenge as they debated the timing of pit stops for intermediate or full wet tires, with some gambling on staying out on slicks longer than others. Those decisions made the difference between finishing in the points and joining the growing list of retirements.
For Hamilton, the outcome of the investigation allows him to focus on regrouping with Mercedes ahead of the next Grand Prix, while McLaren will be left to analyze how a promising start to the weekend unravelled in the space of a few damp and turbulent laps. Meanwhile, the FIA’s approach to Hamilton’s incident reflects the wider philosophy of allowing for some leniency when drivers are confronted with exceptionally difficult circumstances, like those seen in Melbourne.
With the season opener now behind them, the grid shifts its attention to the upcoming rounds, where teams will be eager to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed in Australia and find some stability in their championship campaigns.
