Formula 1 has been thrown into chaos again after the FIA ​​confirmed the publication of new and conclusive evidence regarding Lewis Hamilton’s conduct under double yellow flags. The governing body revealed that Hamilton failed to sufficiently reduce speed at a critical point in the race, a violation with serious safety implications. This new evidence led to immediate disciplinary action, shaking the foundations of the ongoing championship fight and sparking controversy throughout the motorsport community.

According to official FIA documentation, recently analysed telemetry data, combined with on-board footage and radio communications, demonstrated that Hamilton’s pace did not comply with mandatory slowing regulations.

Although initial post-race reviews raised suspicions, it was only after a thorough re-examination that the case against Hamilton became irrefutable. The FIA ​​stated that the enforcement of safety measures, particularly under yellow flags, is essential to protect drivers, stewards, and the integrity of the sport. The penalties imposed were severe and unprecedented in recent years. Hamilton received a heavy time penalty that changed the finishing order of the final Grand Prix, along with a points deduction from the drivers’ championship. Furthermore, the FIA ​​confirmed that repeated infringements of this type will be punished with increasingly severe measures, up to and including disqualification or temporary suspension. This decision marks a turning point, as the governing body intends to underscore its zero-tolerance approach to safety-related rule violations.

Ferrari’s reaction was swift and decisive. Minutes after the FIA’s announcement, the Ferrari team’s director released a carefully worded 15-word statement addressed directly to Hamilton. While brief, the statement carried a tone of frustration and condemnation, explicitly linking Hamilton’s conduct to the damage inflicted on Ferrari’s race performance and broader reputation. While the exact words were widely circulated, their impact was amplified by the fact that Ferrari rarely addresses rival drivers so directly and publicly. This unexpected move signals a bold shift in Ferrari’s communications strategy. Traditionally cautious in public disputes, the Italian team appears determined to clarify its position: safety rule violations that impact the team’s results will not be tolerated in silence. Insiders suggest the statement reflects not only Ferrari’s immediate disappointment, but also broader frustration with what they perceive as inconsistent application of the regulations in recent seasons.

In the paddock, reactions were sharply divided. Hamilton’s supporters argued that the penalties were excessively harsh and could unfairly distort the championship battle. They believed that, while mistakes can occur under pressure, the punishments should not go so far as to undermine the spirit of competition. Critics, on the other hand, argued that Hamilton had frequently tested the limits of the regulations and that this sanction was necessary and long overdue. Other team principals were cautious about the FIA’s firm stance, emphasizing that safety must always take precedence over sporting considerations.

Beyond the immediate controversy, this episode raises broader questions about governance and fairness in Formula 1. The FIA ​​is now under pressure to treat similar cases with the same level of rigor and consistency in the future, regardless of a driver’s status or reputation. For Hamilton, the challenge goes beyond the loss of points: his credibility and public image are now under serious scrutiny. For Ferrari, the 15-word statement is both a protest and a warning: they will not remain silent when their interests are compromised.

As the season progresses, the implications of this decision will likely reverberate far beyond a single race. Rivalries are intensifying, team strategies are being recalibrated, and the championship outlook is being reshaped in real time. What began as a technical violation under double yellow flags has now transformed into one of the most significant controversies of the year, leaving fans and analysts alike waiting for further developments in the coming weeks.