Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been dealt a crushing blow ahead of Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix after receiving a double penalty from race stewards.
The Mercedes driver found himself at the centre of an FIA investigation following a controversial incident during Saturday's qualifying session that involved his own teammate George Russell.
What Happened During Qualifying?
During the critical Q1 phase of qualifying, Hamilton was accused of unnecessarily slowing down through the final corner complex, potentially impeding other drivers seeking to complete their flying laps. The situation became particularly tense as Russell approached rapidly behind his teammate while on a hot lap of his own.
Stewards reviewed extensive evidence including team radio transmissions, telemetry data, and video footage before reaching their verdict late on Saturday evening.
The Stewards' Verdict
Race officials determined that Hamilton had indeed driven "unnecessarily slowly" through the final corner, creating a potentially dangerous situation for following cars. The ruling stated that Hamilton's actions had compromised Russell's qualifying effort and violated sporting regulations regarding consistent driving standards during qualifying sessions.
As a result, Hamilton received two separate penalties:
- A two-place grid drop for Sunday's race
- One penalty point on his FIA super licence
Team Radio Drama
The incident sparked dramatic team radio exchanges, with Russell expressing frustration over the situation. Meanwhile, Hamilton and the Mercedes team argued their case, suggesting the slowing was necessary due to traffic and preparation for their qualifying strategy.
This penalty compounds what has already been a challenging weekend for the Mercedes team, who have struggled to find optimal setup around the demanding Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Championship Implications
The grid drop represents another setback in Hamilton's difficult 2024 campaign, potentially affecting his chances of scoring valuable championship points in Singapore. The tight and twisty nature of the Marina Bay circuit makes overtaking exceptionally difficult, meaning Hamilton will face an uphill battle to recover positions during the race.
This incident marks another chapter in the complex teammate dynamic between Hamilton and Russell at Mercedes, adding further intrigue to their intra-team rivalry as both drivers seek to establish themselves as the team's primary contender.
