Ferrari summoned over Hamilton pitstop incident after mechanic is knocked down at Spa

Ferrari called to the stewards

Ferrari has been summoned to the Formula 1 stewards’ office after Lewis Hamilton was involved in an apparent unsafe release during the Belgian Grand Prix. The incident occurred at the team’s pit box on lap 20, when Hamilton’s car struck and knocked down a mechanic as it was released.

The mechanic was hit by the front of the Ferrari and fell to the ground. No injuries were reported, but the incident immediately placed the team under scrutiny. The stewards’ decision will also determine whether Hamilton’s eventual result remains unchanged.

Front-wing adjustment compromised Hamilton’s stint

Because the adjustment was not completed before the release, Hamilton continued without the intended front-wing setting. The effect was apparent after he switched from the medium tyre to the hard compound, with the Ferrari struggling at the front end during the early part of the stint.

The car appeared to recover towards the end of the run, however, allowing Hamilton to pass Oscar Piastri for fourth place. Whether he retains that position remains uncertain pending the stewards’ investigation.

The stop also added another layer to a difficult Belgian Grand Prix for Hamilton, whose race had already been shaped by the penalty imposed for contact with Russell. Ferrari’s pitstop execution, rather than a strategic decision alone, could now have a direct bearing on the final classification. The broader context of Russell’s retirement is covered in our report on Antonelli’s Belgian Grand Prix victory and Russell’s opening-lap retirement.

Why Hamilton received a five-second penalty

The stewards judged Hamilton wholly responsible for the first-lap collision, but reduced the penalty from the standard 10 seconds to five after considering several mitigating circumstances.

Russell had established sufficient overlap around the outside at Turn 5 and was entitled to racing room. Hamilton remained on the inside, experienced understeer and made contact with Russell’s right-hand side despite applying corrective steering.

The stewards concluded that Hamilton failed to maintain sufficient separation, but noted that he had acknowledged Russell’s presence, attempted to leave room and made a genuine effort to avoid contact. They also considered the reduced grip and compressed conditions of the opening lap, determining that the collision was caused by a loss of front-end grip rather than an aggressive or deliberate manoeuvre.