Hamilton Escapes Penalty After Sprint Investigation in Canada

Lewis Hamilton was not penalized by the stewards after an investigation for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at Turn 13 during the Canadian Grand Prix Sprint. The seven-time world champion will retain his sixth-place finish and the three points scored.

Why it matters:

The decision spares Hamilton and Ferrari a costly penalty that could have impacted their championship momentum. It also clarifies how the FIA judges track limit advantages in close racing scenarios, setting a precedent for future incidents.

The details:

• Hamilton was investigated after he left the track at Turn 13, drove through the chicane, and rejoined ahead of Oscar Piastri's McLaren.
• Stewards reviewed footage and compared the incident to an earlier Sprint clash between Hulkenberg and Tsunoda. In Hamilton's case, Piastri was not in an overtaking position at the moment Hamilton went off, so the Mercedes driver was not deemed to have gained a lasting advantage.
• The Ferrari driver had run fourth for most of the 20-lap Sprint, but dropped two positions on the final lap to Piastri and teammate Charles Leclerc, settling for sixth.
• In their verdict, the stewards stated: "Car 44 was in front of Car 81 on the approach to Turn 13 and left the track… Car 81 was not in an overtaking position on Car 44. Accordingly, Car 44 was not deemed to be defending its position hence not deemed to gain a lasting advantage."

What's next:

With no penalty applied, Hamilton will start the Canadian Grand Prix from his Sprint finishing position. Ferrari will look to build on a mixed Sprint result and challenge for a stronger points haul in the main race. The decision leaves the championship standings unchanged for now, but keeps Hamilton within striking distance of the frontrunners.