Lewis Hamilton handed FIA penalty to compound NIGHTMARE weekend

Lewis Hamilton, FIA, 2024, Social, Photoshop — Photo: © IMAGO

Austrian Grand Prix

Hamilton’s NIGHTMARE weekend continues with FIA punishment

Lewis Hamilton is in action at the Austrian Grand Prix

Kevin McKenna

Sunday 30 June 2024 15:56 Updated: 16:05

Lewis Hamilton was hit with a five-second penalty at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The seven-time Formula 1 champion came under investigation from the FIA in the opening stages after crossing the white line whilst entering the pit lane.

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Speaking on team radio, Hamilton was quick to offer an apology to his team, after being made aware of his error.

"Ok Lewis, so we do have a five-second time penalty, we just need to get our head down and get on with it," said his race engineer.

"Yeah, sorry guys,' Hamilton responded.

Lewis Hamilton has endured a frustrating weekend in Austria

Mercedes were hit with a fine after an incident involving Hamilton on Saturday

Seven-time champion's woes continue

It was the latest blow in a weekend labelled 'disastrous' by the 39-year-old, as he looked to build on two impressive displays in Montreal and Barcelona in Spielberg.

Despite a positive practice session on Friday, Hamilton struggled to find any significant pace in Saturday's sprint race, or in qualifying for the main event.

He was also involved in a bizarre incident during Q3, dragging a rear jack and extraction pipe out with his car as he exited the pit lane.

After being called to see the stewards post-race, Mercedes were handed with a fine for an unsafe release.

Lewis Hamilton FIA Austrian Grand Prix