Formula 1

Ferrari Penalized While Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Avoid Grid Sanctions

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Jul 18, 2026, 09:31 IST

On Friday at the Belgian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc avoided grid penalties, while Ferrari faced fines for regulatory violations.

Ferrari Penalized While Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Avoid Grid Sanctions

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc emerged unscathed from potential grid position penalties during Friday's proceedings at the Belgian Grand Prix. Instead, it was Ferrari that faced repercussions for violating sporting regulations concerning the handling of used tyres. The Italian team was summoned by race stewards to address an alleged infraction related to the timely return of used tyres to Pirelli following the opening free practice session.

According to the stringent regulations set forth by Formula One, teams are required to return all used tyres to Pirelli within a specified timeframe before the commencement of the next practice session. Ferrari managed to fulfill part of this requirement by submitting their used tyres electronically; however, they failed to physically return them within the allotted time. This oversight led to a meeting with the stewards, resulting in a fine of 10,000 Euros, with 5,000 Euros levied against each driver.

Practice Session Highlights

In the lead-up to the race, seven-time world champion Hamilton, currently positioned third in the drivers' championship standings, concluded Friday's practice sessions in fourth place. He trailed behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, who topped the timesheets, showcasing his dominance as the championship leader. Meanwhile, Leclerc, representing Ferrari, finished the day in 11th place, indicating a challenging start for the team as they prepare for the upcoming race.

The incident underscores the importance of adherence to regulations in Formula One, where even minor lapses can result in significant penalties. As teams gear up for the race, the focus will be on performance and strategy, particularly for Ferrari, who will be keen to recover from this setback and improve their standing in the championship.