Lewis Hamilton Pit Stop Incident Explained: Why Ferrari Was Fined at the Belgian GP

Lewis Hamilton’s Belgian Grand Prix was briefly overshadowed by a frightening pit-lane incident after he accidentally struck a Ferrari mechanic during a pit stop at Spa-Francorchamps.

The moment immediately sparked concern among fans, with many wondering whether Hamilton had been at fault and why Ferrari was later fined by Formula One stewards.

Here’s what happened.

What happened during Lewis Hamilton’s pit stop?

The incident occurred during a Virtual Safety Car period when Hamilton pitted to serve a five-second penalty before switching tyres.

After the tyre change was completed, Hamilton requested a front-wing adjustment to improve the balance of his Ferrari.

Normally, a mechanic would make the adjustment before the car is released. However, a communication breakdown meant events unfolded out of sequence.

Why did Lewis Hamilton drive away while the mechanic was still in front?

According to Ferrari and the FIA stewards, the team gave the instruction for the front-wing adjustment too late.

By the time the mechanic stepped forward with the adjustment tool:

• Hamilton’s five-second penalty had already been served.
• The front jack had been lowered.
• Ferrari’s automated release system displayed the green light.

Drivers are trained to leave the pit box immediately once the green light appears.

Hamilton, looking only at the release signal to his left, accelerated as instructed, unaware the mechanic had moved into the path of his front-right tyre.

The wheel clipped the mechanic, knocking him to the ground before Hamilton stopped almost instantly.

Was the mechanic injured?

Fortunately, no.

Although the crew member was knocked over, he escaped without injury and was quickly helped to his feet by fellow Ferrari mechanics.

Hamilton immediately checked on the mechanic over team radio after stopping the car.

Why wasn’t Lewis Hamilton penalised?

The FIA investigated the incident after the race but concluded Hamilton had done exactly what drivers are instructed to do.

The stewards ruled that he simply reacted to Ferrari’s green release light and had no way of seeing the mechanic, who was positioned on the opposite side of the car.

As a result, Hamilton was cleared of any wrongdoing and retained his fourth-place finish.

Why was Ferrari fined?

Instead of penalising Hamilton, the FIA held Ferrari responsible for an unsafe release.

In their submission to the stewards, Ferrari admitted the incident resulted from:

• an inappropriately late instruction to adjust the front wing;
• poor communication between crew members; and
• the mechanic failing to notice the green release signal.

The stewards described it as a “complex and unusual combination of circumstances” but ultimately ruled the team had released the car in an unsafe condition.

Ferrari received a €30,000 fine, with €10,000 suspended for 12 months, provided a similar incident does not occur during that period.

The FIA has also instructed Ferrari to submit a report outlining the measures it will implement to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Why did Lewis Hamilton say his “heart sank”?

Speaking after the race, Hamilton admitted the incident immediately reminded him of one of Formula One’s most serious recent pit-lane accidents.

“The green light went and so I went. You’re looking over here at the lights, you’re not looking over there, so that’s probably more on the team.”

He added:

“When it happened, all that went through my mind was back when Kimi hit a mechanic and broke his leg. My heart really sank for a second. I’m really grateful he’s OK.”

Hamilton was referring to the 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix, when Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen was released from his pit box before tyre changes had been completed, striking mechanic Francesco Cigarini and causing a double fracture to his leg.

Fortunately, the Spa incident ended without injury, with Hamilton able to continue the race and finish fourth after Ferrari’s quick recovery from the pit-lane scare.