Lewis Hamilton will face a five-place grid penalty at next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after breaching regulations by failing to reduce speed under yellow flags heading to the grid at Zandvoort. The penalty comes after stewards reviewed telemetry data and concluded Hamilton did not slow down sufficiently when double yellow flags were displayed.
Following his crash during the Dutch Grand Prix caused by a driving error, Hamilton’s starting position in Monza, Ferrari’s home race, will be restricted to a maximum of sixth place. More seriously, he has also received two penalty points on his FIA superlicence, compounding an already difficult weekend for the seven-time world champion.
Details on the lap to grid protocol and Hamilton’s speed reduction
The infraction happened approximately 40 minutes before the formation lap, where double yellow flags were in place at the last corner to ensure safety for personnel on the grid and in the pit lane. Despite these warnings, Hamilton’s speed reduction was measured to be only about 20 kilometers per hour (roughly 12.4 miles per hour) slower than during practice, a margin deemed insufficient by race officials.
Moreover, stewards pointed out that Hamilton did not enter the pit lane at a “greatly reduced speed” as required, braking only 70 meters earlier than he had during practice speeds. This subtle but critical difference factored into the penalty decision.
Consequences following Hamilton’s crash at the Dutch Grand Prix
Compounding the issue, Hamilton had already retired from the Dutch Grand Prix after losing control of his car at Turn 3 while running seventh—a setback marking his first race retirement driving for Ferrari. This series of events at Zandvoort and the resulting penalty mean Hamilton’s prospects at Monza have taken a significant hit.
Stewards’ investigation and rationale behind the penalty
The stewards conducted a thorough investigation, gathering evidence from Hamilton, his team, and reviewing various data sources including positioning and marshalling systems, timing, telemetry, radio communications, and in-car video footage. The Race Director had explicitly informed all drivers that the last corner before pit entry would display double yellow flags for safety reasons, which under FIA rules require a significant speed reduction.
Article 44.1 of the FIA regulations mandates that drivers slow down “greatly” when entering the pit lane, a standard that Hamilton failed to meet fully. Although he lifted off the throttle and braked earlier than usual, the stewards deemed his speed reduction in the double yellow flag zone insufficient and the pit lane entry speed not greatly reduced.
Typically, such breaches would earn a harsher penalty—often a drop of 10 grid places. However, considering Hamilton’s partial effort to slow down, the stewards applied mitigating circumstances, reducing the penalty to five grid positions for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
Implications of the grid penalty at Monza and next steps
Known for its high speeds and passionate Ferrari supporters, the Monza circuit presents a challenging environment where grid position plays a crucial role. Starting no higher than sixth will undoubtedly affect Hamilton’s potential to score strong points or contend for victory on a track that rewards clean and strategic racing.
The penalty adds to an already turbulent phase in Hamilton’s 2024 season and raises questions about his adaptation to the Ferrari team after initial setbacks. How he responds will be a major storyline as Formula 1’s European calendar closes out with the Italian Grand Prix.
As competitors retain the right to appeal steward decisions under FIA regulations, an appeal could be lodged, but so far no indication has been made by Hamilton’s team regarding such a move.
Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
—Stewards
Fans can follow the entire Monza weekend live on Sky Sports F1 and stream via NOW with flexible viewing options. The Italian Grand Prix marks a pivotal moment for Hamilton as he attempts to recover from recent difficulties and remain competitive in the championship battle.
