Steward Decision: Review of Drive-Through Penalty on Lewis Hamilton

INTRO

During the 2023 Formula 1 season’s recent race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the stewards announced a significant decision involving Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. The call, made shortly after the midway point of the race, resulted in a drive-through penalty for Hamilton following an on-track incident with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

SECTION 1: Steward Ruling

The stewards ruled that Lewis Hamilton had been predominantly at fault for the incident on lap 34. Citing Article 38.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Code, the decision specified that Hamilton’s actions constituted “causing a collision.” The stewards deemed that Hamilton had not left sufficient space when entering Turn 1, resulting in contact with Leclerc’s Ferrari, which had been attempting an overtaking maneuver.

SECTION 2: Incident Context

The incident under scrutiny unfolded as the race entered its later stages. Both drivers were engaged in a tight battle for position, having pitted earlier than several of their rivals. As Hamilton approached the first corner on lap 34, he attempted to defend his line against Leclerc, who had closed in quickly on his inside. The two cars made contact, prompting a call to race control from Ferrari, arguing that Hamilton had not given Leclerc adequate racing room. The incident led to a review of telemetry data and footage from various camera angles to determine the responsibility for the collision.

SECTION 3: Immediate Impact

As a result of the drive-through penalty, Hamilton had to serve his punishment in the pit lane, which drastically altered his race strategy and ultimately affected his finishing position. This penalty allowed several competitors, including Leclerc and Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez, to gain significant time on the stricken Mercedes, contributing to a lower-than-expected finish for Hamilton in a race that initially held the potential for a top-3 finish. Post-race, he ultimately classified in P8, further emphasizing the impact of the stewards’ ruling on the race outcome.

SECTION 4: Team or Driver Context

In response to the stewards’ decision, the Mercedes team issued a statement indicating their intention to review the available footage before deciding whether to pursue an appeal. Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed concern about the ruling but emphasized that race incidents often have subjective interpretations. As they prepare to analyze their performance and potential avenues for further action, Mercedes remains focused on the upcoming races and the remaining opportunities in the championship.

SECTION 5: What Happens Next

Hamilton and Mercedes have a window of 96 hours from the conclusion of the race to appeal the stewards’ decision should they choose to do so. During this time, they will evaluate the specifics of the incident and consider whether there is sufficient evidence to contest the ruling. The appeal process is governed by the FIA guidelines, and any actions taken will be addressed in accordance with the established regulations.

As fans reflect on the incident and the stewards’ ruling, one can’t help but wonder: What criteria should stewards prioritize when deciding fault in similar incidents on track?