Hamilton avoids further punishment following safety car probe in dramatic Monaco GP
Lewis Hamilton has escaped further sanction after the FIA stewards concluded their investigation into an alleged safety car infringement during the Monaco Grand Prix, allowing the Ferrari driver to retain his strong result in Monte Carlo.
The seven-time world champion came under scrutiny while running second in the race after officials noted a potential breach of safety car regulations. Hamilton was accused of falling more than 10 car lengths behind the car ahead during a neutralised period triggered by an incident involving Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll.
The investigation added another layer of drama to an already chaotic Monaco Grand Prix. Stroll’s crash initially brought out the safety car before Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc suffered an accident shortly afterwards, prompting a red flag as marshals and officials assessed track conditions.
For Hamilton, the timing could hardly have been worse. The Ferrari driver learned of the investigation during the 37-minute stoppage, raising fears that a penalty could derail his bid for a podium finish and potentially compromise his battle at the front of the field.
However, just before the race resumed, the FIA delivered its verdict. Stewards opted to take no further action against Hamilton, determining that no penalty was warranted for the alleged infringement.
The decision handed Ferrari a major boost, allowing Hamilton to continue his pursuit of race leader Kimi Antonelli during the closing stages of the Grand Prix. Although the Briton was unable to overhaul the Mercedes rookie in the final nine-lap sprint to the chequered flag, he comfortably secured second place.
The result marked Hamilton’s second consecutive runner-up finish for Ferrari and further strengthened his position in the drivers’ championship standings. The podium also moved him up to second in the title race, a position he has not occupied this deep into a season since his dramatic championship battle in 2021.
Hadjar Also Cleared as Stewards Face Busy Afternoon
Hamilton was not the only driver under investigation during the race.
Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was also examined for a similar alleged safety car infringement, but stewards likewise ruled that no further action was necessary.
However, Hadjar’s Monaco weekend was not entirely free from scrutiny. The French driver remained under investigation after the race for a separate alleged red-flag infringement, a decision that could potentially impact his breakthrough podium result depending on the FIA’s findings.
The stewards’ office remained one of the busiest places in the paddock throughout Sunday’s race, with multiple incidents and penalties being reviewed during a Grand Prix packed with interruptions and controversy.
Despite earlier serving a five-second penalty during the race, Hamilton ultimately emerged from Monaco with minimal damage, a valuable haul of championship points, and another encouraging result as Ferrari’s resurgence continues to gather momentum.
With consecutive podium finishes now on the board and a growing foothold near the top of the standings, Hamilton leaves the streets of Monte Carlo with renewed confidence heading into the next phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season.