Lewis Hamilton has been hit with a three-place grid penalty for the Hungarian Grand Prix after impeding Oscar Piastri in qualifying.
At Turn 1, Hamilton was on a cool-down lap just as the Australian was beginning his, but Hamilton cut across Piastri’s path, leading to the McLaren losing significant time, as he took fifth on the road.
Hamilton ended the qualifying session in second place but was wary of a potential penalty hanging over his head.
Following a trip to the stewards, they determined that the seven-time champion was guilty of an offence and handed him a three-place grid penalty.
It means Hamilton will start Sunday’s race from fifth on the grid, sharing the third row with Max Verstappen.
Detailing their verdict, the stewards said: “At the approach to Turn 1, Car 44 was travelling at a significantly reduced speed on the racing line while Car 81 was approaching on a push lap.
“The driver of Car 44 explained that he had just completed a fast lap and did not receive the team’s radio message regarding the approaching Car 81 until the latter was already in close proximity.
“He further stated that, due to the positioning of his car on the track, Car 81 was not visible in his mirrors.
“Car 81, which was on a push lap, was forced to take avoiding action by running wide and being obliged to abort the lap.
“Having examined the available evidence, the Stewards determined that Car 44 unnecessarily impeded Car 81 during qualifying.
“In accordance with the FIA F1 Regulations and the established penalty guidelines for this type of infringement in Qualifying, the Stewards impose a three-place grid penalty on the driver of Car 44.”
