FIA announce Hamilton and Verstappen penalty verdict at Qatar DP after…read more
The FIA has completed its investigation into Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and 15 other drivers following sprint qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix, concluding that no penalties will be imposed. The inquiry was launched after claims surfaced that multiple drivers had failed to meet the minimum lap time of 1:40.0, a rule designed to prevent congestion on track during the session.
Lando Norris shone during qualifying, clinching pole position for the sprint race and underlining McLaren’s strong momentum as they fight Ferrari for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, secured the third-fastest lap, while Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc claimed fourth and fifth, respectively. Though the focus was initially on this intense battle between McLaren and Ferrari, the unexpected investigation, involving 17 drivers and two world champions, quickly drew widespread attention.
The drivers under scrutiny included Norris, Piastri, Sainz, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, George Russell, Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri Bottas, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, and Zhou Guanyu. Given the prominence of those involved, as well as the unusual scale of the investigation, the FIA’s decision carried significant weight.
After reviewing the situation, FIA stewards found no grounds for penalties. In their official statement, they clarified that all drivers acted appropriately to avoid hindering others on track. The stewards noted that the drivers involved slowed down considerably when necessary, ensuring clear track conditions for competitors during the session.
“The stewards determined that the drivers took appropriate actions to not impede other drivers and, where required, slowed down significantly to allow other drivers to pass while giving those drivers a clear track,” the FIA statement read. “The stewards therefore determine that the drivers concerned did not drive ‘unnecessarily slowly,’ and that evidently the reason they were above the maximum time was due to their appropriate actions. No further action will be taken.”
This decision ensures clarity heading into what promises to be an electrifying sprint race. McLaren, buoyed by Norris’s pole position and Piastri’s solid performance, appears poised for a strong showing, while Ferrari will look to bounce back and keep their rivals in check. With the grid unchanged and no penalties disrupting the competition, fans can look forward to an action-packed weekend under the demanding conditions of the Qatar circuit.
