Penalty Looms as FIA Investigate Lewis Hamilton Japanese Grand Prix Incident
Suzuka, Japan – April 5, 2025 — Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton faces a potential major penalty as the FIA launches an official investigation into his conduct during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The governing body confirmed on Saturday that it is reviewing an on-track incident involving Hamilton that could have significant implications for both his championship hopes and the Constructors’ standings.
The controversy erupted during Lap 22 of the high-stakes race when Hamilton, running in fifth position, was involved in a contentious defensive maneuver while battling Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Video footage and telemetry data appear to show Hamilton veering aggressively across the racing line, forcing Leclerc onto the kerbs at high speed heading into Turn 1.
Race stewards initially opted not to intervene during the Grand Prix, sparking immediate backlash from the Ferrari garage. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur called the move “dangerous and unnecessary,” while Leclerc radioed in expressing frustration over what he described as “over the limit” driving.
“We’re very surprised there was no immediate investigation,” Vasseur said post-race. “The telemetry speaks for itself, and we believe the FIA must take a closer look.”
Now, just days after the race, the FIA has confirmed it will re-open the incident as new evidence, including high-resolution onboard footage and tire telemetry data, has come to light. A formal hearing is expected to take place later this week, with Hamilton and Mercedes summoned to provide additional information.
If found guilty of breaching Article 27.4 of the Sporting Regulations—which mandates that “maneuvers liable to hinder other drivers, such as deliberate crowding of a car beyond the edge of the track or any other abnormal change of direction, are not permitted”—Hamilton could face a range of penalties. These may include a time penalty applied retroactively, a grid drop for the next race in China, or, in the worst-case scenario, disqualification from the Japanese Grand Prix results.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has come out in staunch defense of his driver, calling the incident “hard racing between two champions” and warning against over-policing the sport. “If we start penalizing every close fight, we risk losing the essence of what makes Formula One great,” he said.
Hamilton himself has remained tight-lipped since the announcement of the investigation, only commenting briefly on social media. “Tough race, but we gave it everything. Looking forward to China,” he posted, carefully avoiding reference to the controversy.
The incident comes at a crucial point in the 2025 season. Hamilton currently sits third in the Drivers’ Championship, just 11 points behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and four behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. A retroactive penalty could widen the gap and dent Mercedes’ momentum in what has become one of the closest title fights in recent years.
The FIA has come under scrutiny in recent seasons for perceived inconsistencies in stewarding decisions, particularly in high-profile races. This latest review is seen as a litmus test for the governing body’s commitment to fair play and clarity in rule enforcement.
With the Chinese Grand Prix just a week away, fans and teams alike are on edge, waiting for what could be a pivotal ruling. One thing is certain: whatever the outcome, the 2025 Formula One season just got even more dramatic.
