Lewis Hamilton Hit with Penalty After Austrian Grand Prix Investigation
The FIA has confirmed the disciplinary action taken against Lewis Hamilton following a post-session investigation during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.
The Ferrari star was found guilty of breaching track limits on multiple occasions during qualifying at the Red Bull Ring. After reviewing race data and video evidence, the stewards determined that Hamilton did not have sufficient justification for repeatedly going beyond the white lines marking the edge of the track. As a result, he has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the next Formula 1 race.
In their verdict, the stewards stated:
“Driver of Car 44, Lewis Hamilton, was found to have exceeded track limits multiple times without valid reason. This constitutes a breach of Article 33.3 of the FIA Sporting Regulations. A three-place grid drop will be applied at the upcoming Grand Prix.”
The decision is a major blow to Hamilton and the Ferrari team, who have been underperforming in 2025 despite high expectations following the British driver’s high-profile move from Mercedes. Hamilton has endured a difficult transition and has yet to secure a race win this season.
The penalty could further complicate Ferrari’s race strategy as they attempt to climb the constructors’ standings. With Hamilton’s grid drop already confirmed, Ferrari may need to shift their focus to damage limitation in the next race.
Hamilton has yet to release a public statement regarding the punishment, but the decision will no doubt spark further debate about the consistency of FIA rulings and the enforcement of track limit regulations—an issue that has repeatedly frustrated drivers and fans alike this season.
