The FIA have confirmed that no further action will be taken against Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton following an investigation into a possible qualifying breach at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Hamilton, 40, delivered a strong performance on Saturday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya — a track where he has won six times in the past — qualifying fifth for Sunday’s race. It was a positive showing for the seven-time world champion, who outqualified team-mate Charles Leclerc for only the second time this season. Leclerc managed P7, with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli separating the Ferrari pair in P6.
Shortly after the session, Hamilton was placed under investigation along with Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll for allegedly breaching Article 33.4 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and Article 12.2.1 i) of the FIA International Sporting Code. The alleged infraction related to exceeding the 1:25.0 time limit between the Safety Car lines during qualifying — a measure designed to prevent drivers from lapping unnecessarily slowly and impeding others.
Following a review of marshalling data, timing information, and footage from on-board and CCTV cameras, the FIA issued a formal statement: “All drivers concerned stayed at or above speeds necessary to stay below 1:25.0 around the vast majority of the circuit. However, in all cases the stewards determined that the drivers took appropriate actions to not impede other drivers, and in all cases, they slowed down significantly to allow other drivers to pass while giving those drivers a clear track.”
The stewards concluded that Hamilton and the other drivers acted appropriately, with no undue interference or unsporting conduct observed. As a result, no penalties have been handed down.
Hamilton’s P5 grid position remains intact heading into Sunday’s race, giving him a realistic chance at securing his first podium of the season. While he has struggled to match Leclerc’s form during the early stages of his Ferrari career, Hamilton struck a confident tone after qualifying.
“Definitely an improvement from where we’ve been,” he told reporters in Barcelona. “Definitely an improvement I would say from my qualifying side.”
Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton added: “It’s going to be close. It’s really close between us all, so I’m going to try and get on the podium for once.”
With Ferrari seeking to close the gap to Red Bull and McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, Hamilton’s improved pace offers a timely boost for the Scuderia.