Hamilton cockpit celebrations cost him €5,000 after undoing seatbelts

Lewis Hamilton has been fined €5,000 for undoing his seat belts on his in-lap at the end of the São Paulo Grand Prix.

A further €20,000 has been suspended through to the end of 2022.

The Mercedes driver was charged with an alleged breach of Appendix L Chapter III Article 4 of the FIA International Sporting Code [use of safety belts].

That article reads: "Drivers must be properly restrained in their seat by safety belts in conformity with the technical regulations for the vehicle concerned, at all times during a competition when it is mobile on a circuit, pit lane, special stage or competition course."

But following a short hearing, a stewards' statement read: "The driver of car 44, Lewis Hamilton, undid his seat belts on the in-lap at the end of the race.

"While the stewards are sympathetic to the desire to celebrate, it is fundamentally unsafe to undo the seatbelts while the car is in motion. Slow speeds in these cars are very fast for an unrestrained occupant."

Reminded of his duties as a role model for up-and-coming drivers, the stewards added: "Further, Formula 1 drivers set the example for junior categories.

"It is critical that junior category drivers learn the importance of using all the safety devices of the car at all times."

The suspension of the penalty is subject to future compliance of the regulation for the period specified.

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