Lewis Hamilton slapped with race PENALTY after dramatic contact in Belgian GP sprint

Lewis Hamilton

2 reacties

Hamilton slapped with race PENALTY after dramatic contact in Belgian GP sprint

The Brit made minimal contact with one of his main rivals and the FIA decided it was his fault

Joe Ellis

Saturday 29 July 2023 18:17 Updated: 18:23

Lewis Hamilton was penalised for contact with Sergio Perez during the Belgian GP sprint.

The Mercedes and Red Bull duo went side by side through Stavelot and there was light contact between the two.

Perez soon slipped down to the back and retired while Hamilton had five seconds added to his race time, meaning he went from fourth down to seventh.

Article continues under video

In the end, Hamilton only just stayed ahead of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who completed the points by passing Daniel Ricciardo.

Harsh

In such treacherous conditions, it was surprising to see race control deem what was very minimal contact worthy of a penalty to either driver.

It didn't damage either car and Perez had issues of his own that led to his downfall, even sliding into the gravel at the same corner one lap later.

As it was a sprint race, Hamilton only lost three points whereas he would've lost six in a grand prix.

Mercedes still pulled away from Aston Martin in the constructors' standings as Aston Martin scored zero points and Fernando Alonso crashed at Pouhon.

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 boss admits failings over 'painful' 2026 car struggle

1 minute ago

Honda reveal Aston Martin F1 revelations after Miami Grand Prix

42 minutes ago

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen hit by Miami penalty as Ferrari punished by FIA

53 minutes ago

F1 star Carlos Sainz addresses Williams future at Miami Grand Prix

1 hour ago

F1 Standings 2026: Lewis Hamilton under pressure as McLaren set sights on Ferrari pursuit

2 hours ago