Hamilton Faces Three-Place Grid Penalty for Impeding Perez in Dutch GP Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton Receives Three-Position Grid Penalty for Blocking Sergio Perez

Lewis Hamilton has received a three-position grid penalty for obstructing Sergio Perez during the qualifying round at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton received a penalty, moving him three places back on the starting grid, for blocking Sergio Perez during the qualifying rounds of the Dutch Grand Prix.

During the first qualifying session, Hamilton obstructed Perez's path at Turn 9, causing the Mexican driver to deploy a second set of soft tyres. This strategy placed him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the qualifying rounds.

The seven-time world champion managed to qualify but will move back three spots on the starting grid.

The officials observed that the driver of Car 44, who was on his way back to the pit, received a message from his team that Car 11 was coming up quickly behind him as he approached Turn 8. He moved aside at the end of Turn 8 to allow Car 11 to pass. Nevertheless, by the time Car 11 reached him, Car 44 had moved into Turn 9 and returned to the normal racing path at the end of Turn 9, which evidently obstructed Car 11.

The officials have concluded that, although the team issued a proper warning and the driver made an effort to move aside, he could have reduced his speed further to avoid obstructing the other vehicle. As such, they view the hindrance as avoidable under the rules. Consequently, a penalty in the form of a grid position reduction is being imposed, consistent with similar past rulings.

As of this report, Hamilton is slated to begin Sunday's race in the 15th position. Nonetheless, this could shift if Alex Albon faces disqualification.

Perez's Perspective

Sergio Perez expressed satisfaction, characterizing the 2024 stewards as "exceptionally stringent" this time around.

"Perez remarked following the qualifying round, noting, "Despite his efforts to avoid the situation, it seems we simply found ourselves in an unfavorable position at an inopportune moment."

This year, the officials have enforced the rules more rigorously, leading to me receiving penalties for less severe infractions. Consequently, I anticipate that he will, regrettably, be penalized.

"He likely did everything in his power to avoid the situation, and perhaps a bit more leniency could have been afforded in this matter, yet the situation remains as it stands."

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