Lewis Hamilton Receives Three-Place Grid Penalty for Impeding Sergio Perez During Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying

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

Lewis Hamilton received a three-position grid penalty for blocking Sergio Perez during the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session.

During Q1, Hamilton obstructed Perez at Turn 9, causing the Mexican driver to use up two sets of soft tires, which placed him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the qualifying session.

The seven-time world champion managed to qualify, but will face a three-place grid penalty.

The officials observed: "The driver of Car 44, who was on a cool-down lap, received a message from the team that Car 11 was coming up on a hot lap as he approached Turn 8. Car 44 then moved off the racing line at the exit of Turn 8 to let Car 11 pass. However, by the time Car 11 got there, Car 44 had already entered Turn 9 and returned to the racing line at the exit of Turn 9, thus clearly obstructing Car 11."

The Stewards conclude that even though the team issued a proper warning and the driver attempted to get out of the way, he could have reduced his speed further to avoid obstructing the other car. As a result, they deem the obstruction unnecessary according to the regulations and have decided to impose a grid penalty, consistent with prior rulings.

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

Perez's perspective

Sergio Perez expressed satisfaction, noting that the stewards have been "very strict" in the year 2024.

“He did his utmost to avoid the situation, but sadly, we found ourselves in the wrong location at an inopportune moment,” Perez remarked following the qualifying session.

"The officials have been very stringent this year, and I've received penalties for less severe infractions, so I do anticipate that he will be penalized as well, regrettably."

"He likely made every effort to avoid the situation, and perhaps there should be a bit more leeway in such cases, but that's just how things are."

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