Sao Paulo Grand Prix – Hamilton fined 5,000€ but keeps his victory
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes were under investigation following the Brazilian Grand Prix due to a removed safety belt during the deceleration lap. The British driver's victory is maintained but he will have to reach into his wallet.
During his deceleration lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix that he won, Lewis Hamilton removed his seat belt (harness) because he wanted to take the Brazilian flag that an official was giving him.
This endangerment was sanctioned by the FIA with a fine of 5,000 €, with 20,000 € suspended until the end of 2022 if it were to happen again.
The FIA statement specifies that: « Lewis Hamilton has undone his seat belt during his deceleration lap at the end of the race. Although it is very kind to retrieve something given by a track marshal, it is fundamentally dangerous to remove one’s seat belt while the car is in motion. »
« Formula 1 is also an example for lower categories and drivers must therefore respect safety measures at all times.
