Lewis Hamilton handed FIA punishment verdict a…..read more
Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, has found himself on the receiving end of an FIA warning following the Friday practice sessions at the Japanese Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion was one of two Formula 1 drivers who were officially reprimanded by the FIA after an investigation into incidents during the second free practice (FP2) session at the iconic Suzuka Circuit.
Hamilton, who showed promising pace in FP2 by finishing fourth—beating his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc—was later put under scrutiny for allegedly not adhering to the race director’s instructions during a practice start procedure. The issue stemmed from an incident at the end of the pit lane, where Hamilton appeared to overtake several cars to reach his chosen position for the practice start. The FIA determined that this maneuver was in breach of the sporting regulations, which govern how and where practice starts are to be conducted.
As a result, Hamilton received an official warning from the FIA, not just for himself but also for his team, Ferrari. The stewards concluded that although the infraction was not severe enough to merit a penalty like a grid drop or fine, it still warranted a formal warning due to its potential implications on safety and fairness.
A similar incident also involved Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, who likewise received a warning for executing a practice start in a way that did not fully comply with the race director’s guidelines. Both warnings serve as a reminder of the strict adherence expected from teams and drivers regarding procedural rules during race weekends.
This latest brush with the FIA adds to a growing list of regulatory run-ins for Hamilton this season. Ferrari, in particular, is under extra scrutiny following the dramatic events at the Chinese Grand Prix, where both Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from the race. The disqualification had been a major setback for the Scuderia, drawing intense attention and criticism from the media and fans alike.
Despite these recent challenges, Hamilton has expressed confidence in Ferrari’s ability to bounce back. He has pointed to the team’s resilient attitude and their focus on improving performance moving forward. However, the season has not started in ideal fashion for the British driver. Since his high-profile switch to Ferrari, Hamilton has only managed to secure one point from his first two full-length races with the team. His only substantial points contribution came from a sprint race win, which has helped to slightly boost his standing in the driver rankings.
Currently, Ferrari sits fifth in the constructors’ championship standings, having accumulated just 17 points across the opening two races of the season. While the team shows flashes of competitiveness, consistency remains an issue. Both Hamilton and Leclerc have struggled to find the perfect balance in their new machinery, and small errors—on and off the track—have cost them valuable results.
With the Japanese Grand Prix offering another opportunity for Ferrari to turn the tide, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see how he responds. As the team looks to climb back up the standings, staying clear of further FIA complications will be essential for their campaign.
