Why Hamilton escaped Singapore GP penalty after red flag investigation

Lewis Hamilton has avoided a penalty for a potential red flag infringement in the third free practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix, after Liam Lawson crashed out at Turn 7.

Hamilton was seen taking caution around the scene where Lawson put his car into the wall, and drove slowly into Turn 8 when the session was under red flag conditions.

After passing the incident, Hamilton accelerated away and was travelling quickly on the required slow lap on the way back to the garage. He was later seen returning to the pitlane, apparently at higher speeds versus the other cars on the road.

The stewards’ report noted both events, but its analysis of the telemetry data showed that Hamilton was still slower than the required minimum time set by the race director to return to the pits.

It added that the pitlane entry speed, while higher than other cars returning to their garages, was not of a magnitude that constituted a rules breach.

The stewards’ report read: “The stewards heard from the driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), team representative and reviewed positioning/video, timing, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence.

“During the red flag period following the incident involving Car 30 (LAW), HAM appeared to be travelling at a notably high speed.

“However, analysis of the telemetry data showed that between the display of the red flag and the entry to the pitlane, HAM remained above the required minimum time as stipulated by Article 37.6a of the 2025 FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.

“Regarding the pitlane entry, the car’s speed was marginally higher than that of other cars in comparable situations, but the driver maintained full car control at all times and did not drive in a manner that could be considered unsafe.

“While the stewards consider that a greater reduction of speed would have been desirable under the circumstances, it is concluded that there is no evidence of a breach of the applicable regulations.”

Hamilton finished eighth overall in the final FP3 times, 0.411s slower than Max Verstappen’s benchmark time in the final practice session of the weekend.

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