Lewis Hamilton Summoned for Inspection as FIA Issues Grid Penalties Ahead of…read more
Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has been summoned by the FIA as the 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend kicks off in Melbourne. As the first race weekend of the new season unfolds, all 10 teams and 20 drivers have gathered at the Albert Park Circuit for what promises to be an exciting start to the year. However, Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has found himself at the center of attention for an unexpected reason.
Hamilton made headlines in February 2024 when he revealed that he would be leaving Mercedes after 12 years with the team, opting instead to join Ferrari for a fresh challenge in pursuit of another world title. His move shook up the F1 driver market, leading to a flurry of transfers across the grid. As a result, only two teams have retained the same driver lineup as last year heading into the 2025 season.
Now 40 years old, Hamilton is embarking on a new chapter in his career alongside Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. The two will be teaming up for the first time in the new SF-25 car during the opening practice sessions of the season, which began on March 14. The excitement surrounding their partnership is palpable, with both drivers hoping to make an early statement at the season opener in Australia.
However, before Hamilton can focus on his championship aspirations, his new Ferrari must undergo a routine inspection mandated by the FIA. This standard procedure requires all teams to present their cars in a specific manner for inspection by F1’s governing body. In line with the regulations, several cars were randomly selected for this inspection, and Hamilton’s Ferrari was among those chosen. Alongside Hamilton’s car, Gabriel Bortoleto’s Sauber and Isack Hadjar’s Racing Bull were also selected.
This car display procedure, outlined in Article 19 of the F1 sporting regulations, is a common occurrence at each race weekend. The selected cars must be positioned in the designated pit stop area for inspection by the FIA. It’s a necessary step to ensure compliance with technical and safety standards before the cars are allowed to race on track.
Hamilton’s Ferrari, being one of the randomly selected vehicles, must comply with this inspection before it can be cleared to compete. While this process is routine, it has added an extra layer of attention to Hamilton’s debut weekend with Ferrari, especially after the major driver-market upheaval that surrounded his switch to the Scuderia.
As the Australian GP weekend progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he aims for his eighth world championship, hoping that his first race with Ferrari will mark the start of a successful new era in his illustrious F1 career. With the grid set and the season officially underway, it’s clear that this year will be full of anticipation and intrigue, both on and off the track.
