2026 Belgian GP: Hamilton penalty, Ferrari case

Reports from Spa said Lewis Hamilton kept fourth after a five-second penalty, while Ferrari was fined for an unsafe release and Charles Leclerc avoided sanction.

Reports from Spa said Lewis Hamilton received a five-second penalty for contact with George Russell on the opening lap of the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix. Autosport reported that Hamilton still kept fourth place, while Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur disagreed with the sanction. Hamilton arrived at the weekend second in the drivers’ championship on 159 points, with Russell third on 154.

Autosport also reported that Ferrari was summoned over Hamilton’s lap-20 pit release and was later fined €30,000 after a mechanic was struck as the car left the pit box. The same report said the mechanic was unhurt, while RaceFans also reported the fine. Motorsport.com carried outside reaction supporting the stewards’ decision.

Autosport further reported that Charles Leclerc was not penalised for his clash with Oscar Piastri because stewards judged he had not deliberately caused the contact. Leclerc, a nine-time Formula 1 race winner, went into Spa fourth in the standings on 126 points.