Hamilton’s car referred to stewards over technical infringement

Lewis Hamilton’s car has been referred to the stewards after qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix for a technical infringement relating to his DRS.

The defending champion had outqualified Max Verstappen by over 0.4s to secure first place for Saturday’s Sprint event, but will take a five-place grid penalty on Sunday as a result of a new power unit component. However, after qualifying FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer noted an area where the car failed to comply with regulations, and referred it to the stewards.

“The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car number 44 for compliance with Article 3.6.3 of the 2021 Formula 1 Technical Regulations,” a report from Bauer read. “The requirement for the minimum distance was fulfilled. But the requirement for the maximum of 85mm, when the DRS system is deployed and tested in accordance with TD/011-19, were not fulfilled.

“I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”

Technical infringements usually lead to exclusion from a session, which would leave Hamilton starting the Sprint from the back of the grid or the pit lane and with 24 laps to try and make as much progress as possible, before still taking a further five-place grid penalty on Sunday.

Topics

lewis hamilton

sprint qualifying

stewards

Formula 1

Chris Medland

While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.

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