Ferrari fined €30,000 after Hamilton pitstop mechanic is knocked down at Spa

Ferrari penalised after unsafe release

Ferrari has been fined €30,000 by the FIA after a mechanic was knocked down during Lewis Hamilton’s pitstop at the Belgian Grand Prix. The mechanic escaped without injury, Ferrari confirmed, while Hamilton retained fourth place in the final classification.

The incident occurred on lap 20, when Hamilton stopped under the virtual safety car to change tyres and serve a five-second hold for his role in first-lap contact with George Russell. Once the tyre change was complete, a mechanic attempted a late adjustment to the front-wing flap.

However, the Ferrari controller had already given Hamilton the signal to leave his pit box. The mechanic, apparently unaware that the car had been released, was struck by the Ferrari’s right-front corner and fell to the ground. Ferrari was subsequently summoned to the stewards for an alleged unsafe release. The incident followed the earlier report on Ferrari’s summons over the Hamilton pitstop.

FIA demands procedural review

The stewards imposed a €30,000 fine, with €10,000 suspended for 12 months on the condition that Ferrari does not commit a similar infringement. The team must also submit a report to the FIA within 14 days detailing the incident and the measures introduced to reduce the risk of a repeat.

The stewards decided that a sporting penalty for Hamilton was not appropriate. He stopped immediately after the contact and lost time as a result, meaning the incident did not create a competitive advantage. Its safety implications, however, justified a financial sanction and a formal review of Ferrari’s pitstop procedures.

Ferrari acknowledged that the release was unsafe, attributing it to the late instruction for the wing adjustment, unclear communication and the mechanic failing to notice the green light. The team committed to reviewing its communication and operating procedures.

Hamilton recalls earlier pitstop incident

Hamilton said the moment reminded him of Kimi Räikkönen injuring a mechanic during the 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix. He explained that he was watching the lights, began to leave as the car was released and then saw the mechanic to his right before stopping.

“All I could think at the time was back when Kimi did a leg. I’m just grateful that he didn’t get hurt,” Hamilton said.

With the mechanic unharmed and Hamilton’s result unchanged, the immediate sporting consequences were limited. Ferrari’s task now is to demonstrate that its communication and pit-lane controls have been strengthened before the FIA’s deadline.

Ferrari penalised after unsafe release