2026 Canadian Grand Prix: FIA Delivers Lewis Hamilton Penalty Verdict After..read more
Lewis Hamilton has avoided a penalty following a post-race investigation by the FIA after an intense closing-lap battle with Oscar Piastri at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
The seven-time world champion came under scrutiny after stewards reviewed an incident involving Hamilton and the Australian driver at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s final chicane during the latter stages of the race. Officials examined whether the Ferrari driver had left the track and gained a lasting advantage while defending his position from the fast-charging McLaren star.
The incident occurred as Piastri mounted heavy pressure on Hamilton in the fight for fourth place. Entering the final chicane, Hamilton cut across part of the circuit while attempting to maintain his position, prompting the FIA to open an investigation shortly after the chequered flag.
Despite concerns over the move, stewards ultimately decided not to hand Hamilton a time penalty. Their verdict confirmed that although the Briton went off track, he did not gain a significant or lasting sporting advantage from the moment. Hamilton remained ahead immediately after the incident, but the FIA judged that the situation did not warrant further punishment.
Any potential sanction could have had major implications for the final classification, especially given the tight margins between several drivers in the closing laps. However, the FIA’s decision allowed Hamilton to keep his finishing position without alteration.
Ironically, Piastri did not have to wait long to complete the overtake anyway. On the penultimate lap, the McLaren driver produced a superb move at the exact same section of the circuit, diving past Hamilton into the final chicane with a clean and decisive manoeuvre.
The pass capped off an impressive performance from Piastri, who once again demonstrated his growing confidence and racecraft during wheel-to-wheel combat against one of Formula 1’s most decorated drivers. Hamilton attempted to fight back over the remaining corners, but the Australian held firm to secure fourth place.
For Hamilton and Ferrari, the decision avoided further disappointment on what was already a frustrating afternoon. While the British driver showed competitive pace throughout the race, Ferrari ultimately lacked the speed to consistently challenge the leading trio during the closing stages.
Meanwhile, Piastri’s late-race charge added more valuable points to McLaren’s growing championship campaign. The Australian continues to establish himself as one of the standout performers of the 2026 season, with another composed and aggressive display under pressure.
The FIA’s ruling quickly became a talking point among fans after the race, particularly given the increasing focus on track limits and racing conduct in Formula 1. Nevertheless, stewards concluded that Hamilton’s actions did not merit intervention, bringing the matter to a close without any changes to the final results.