Lewis Hamilton received a €50,000 fine for crossing the track while the race was under the Safety Car after crashing with his Mercedes teammate George Russell at the first corner.
The FIA is investigating the incident where Lewis Hamilton crossed the track in the Qatar Grand Prix after colliding with George Russell.
The Mercedes driver received a €50,000 fine, half of which is suspended, for crossing the track during the race under the Safety Car. This happened after crashing with team-mate George Russell at the first corner.
The FIA is reviewing Hamilton’s conduct.
An FIA spokesperson said: “The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix.
“The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent Stewards hearing in to the incident and acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach. However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers.”
The FIA is concerned about setting a precedent and will meet with Hamilton in Austin.
Half of the fine had to be paid immediately, while the other half was suspended. The suspended half would only have to be paid if Hamilton committed a similar offense again in 2023.
Hamilton got a warning from the stewards, his first this season.
“After crashing out of the race in Lap 1, the driver of Car 44 abandoned his car in the gravel and ran back to the pits,” said a statement from stewards
“He thereby crossed the track that was live at this time and reached the inside edge of the track just seconds before Car 63 [Russell] arrived at high speed after exiting the pits.
“He then continued to walk alongside the track until finally exiting the track.
“During the hearing the driver of Car 44 was very apologetic and realised that the situation could have been very dangerous for him as well as the drivers approaching.
“The Stewards reinforced the fact that crossing a live track can cause extremely dangerous situations and the drivers have to be very cautious about it.
“In addition to imposing a significant fine (which is suspended in parts), the Stewards also reprimand the driver bearing in mind that receiving a certain number of reprimands during a season will draw a significant driving penalty in accordance with Article 18.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.”
The FIA made this decision because of an incident at the karting world championships in Italy. Joe Turney, a British driver, injured his leg when he was hit by another driver after pushing his kart back onto the track.
Tom Pryce, a British Formula One driver, tragically lost his life during the South African Grand Prix in 1977. This heartbreaking incident occurred when his car collided with and fatally injured a fire marshal who was crossing the track without authorization.
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