The FIA has handed Ferrari a €5,000 fine after an incident involving Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. The unsafe release in the pitlane saw Sainz’s car nearly collide with Hamilton’s, forcing the seven-time world champion to take evasive action.
Hamilton vs. Sainz: a pitlane near-miss
The drama unfolded during qualifying when Sainz was released into the path of Hamilton in the pitlane. Ferrari’s mechanics, eager to minimize delays, signaled for Sainz to go before the driver was fully ready, creating a small but critical lag that led to the unsafe release.
Hamilton managed to avoid contact, but the incident drew the attention of the stewards. After a thorough investigation, Ferrari was penalized for the mishap, with the FIA citing the team’s failure to ensure a safe release.
In an official statement, the FIA clarified:
“The representative of Car 55 [Sainz] admitted that the Number 1 mechanic responsible for releasing Car 55, signaled the car to be released prior to the driver being ready. This resulted in a small delay, which in turn resulted in the car being released into the path of Car 44 [Hamilton], requiring the driver of Car 44 to take avoiding action.”
A costly error for Sainz and Ferrari
The penalty adds another layer of disappointment for Ferrari and Sainz, who are already under pressure as the Constructors’ Championship battle intensifies. Starting the race in P7, Sainz will line up just behind Hamilton, who qualified in P6 after a mixed weekend.
For Ferrari, the fine is a relatively minor financial blow but highlights a costly procedural error during a crucial moment in qualifying. Sainz, who will depart the Scuderia at the end of the season to make way for Hamilton, faces mounting challenges as his time with the team winds down.
Hamilton’s struggles continue at Qatar
For Hamilton, the incident was just one moment in what has been a frustrating weekend. The 39-year-old was outpaced by teammate George Russell in both Sprint Qualifying and the Sprint race, prompting a candid admission that he’s “not fast anymore.”
Despite his downbeat remarks, Hamilton remains focused on finishing the season strong before moving to Ferrari in 2025. He’ll aim to maximize his starting position in P6 as Mercedes continues to battle for second place in the Constructors’ standings.
A preview of future tensions?
The clash between Hamilton and Sainz carries a sense of irony, given their imminent team swap. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari in 2025, replacing Sainz, who is departing the Maranello-based squad. The incident could serve as an early glimpse of potential tensions as Hamilton navigates the challenges of a new team dynamic next season.
Conclusion: Qatar GP set for high-stakes action
With Ferrari fined and both drivers narrowly avoiding disaster, the Qatar Grand Prix promises to deliver more fireworks. Hamilton and Sainz, starting in adjacent grid positions, will likely cross paths again as they vie for crucial points in a high-stakes race.
As the season nears its conclusion, every moment counts—not just for the drivers but for the teams vying to end 2024 on a high note.
