Scuderia Ferrari has been fined following an unsafe pit release incident involving Lewis Hamilton during the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix. The incident occurred on Lap 20 under a Virtual Safety Car period, leading to an official penalty for the team.
During the race, Hamilton served a five-second penalty before his pit stop. After the penalty time elapsed, Ferrari changed his tyres and released him back onto the track. However, a Ferrari mechanic moved into the path of the front-right tyre as Hamilton was released, resulting in the mechanic being knocked down. Fortunately, the mechanic was not injured, and Hamilton immediately stopped his car until the mechanic was clear of the pit lane.
The FIA Stewards conducted an investigation into the incident and confirmed a fine of €30,000 for Ferrari. Of this amount, €10,000 is suspended for 12 months, contingent on no repeat infringements and the submission of a report detailing improved pit stop protocols. The stewards attributed the incident to late instructions for a front wing adjustment, poor communication within the team, and the mechanic’s failure to notice the green light indicating it was safe to release Hamilton.
Importantly, Lewis Hamilton was cleared of any fault in the incident and did not receive a sporting penalty. The stewards’ decision made it clear that the responsibility lay with Ferrari’s pit crew and their operational procedures during the stop. The incident highlighted the challenges teams face in managing complex pit stops, especially under the pressure of race conditions and penalty timing.
Ferrari has committed to reviewing their pit stop procedures to avoid similar situations in the future. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of communication and timing during pit stops in Formula 1®, where even small errors can have significant consequences.
The penalty and investigation underline the FIA’s ongoing focus on safety in the pit lane, ensuring that teams adhere strictly to protocols designed to protect both personnel and drivers. Such measures remain a key part of race weekend operations across the championship.
This event at the Belgian Grand Prix adds to the broader context of operational challenges in Formula 1®, where split-second decisions and clear communication are essential for smooth and safe race execution.