Hamilton receives second reprimand after “severe” Lawson block in Baku

News Summary

Lewis Hamilton received his second reprimand of the 2026 F1 season
Ferrari warned Hamilton twice that Liam Lawson was approaching on a flying lap
The stewards described the obstruction as “severe” but found no evidence that it was intentional

Lewis Hamilton has received a driving reprimand after the Azerbaijan GP stewards ruled that he unnecessarily impeded Liam Lawson during FP2 at the Baku City Circuit.

The incident occurred at 16:33 local time, with Hamilton on an out lap and Lawson approaching at speed on a flying lap.

According to the FIA decision, Ferrari informed Hamilton twice that Lawson was closing from behind. However, the seven-time world champion did not follow the traffic-management instructions established specifically for the final sector in Baku.

Drivers completing out laps or slow laps were required to remain on the extreme left between the exit of Turn 16 and the entry to Turn 18. They were also instructed to manage their gaps before Turn 18 to avoid obstructing a competitive lap between Turns 18 and 19.

Hamilton remained on the racing line approaching Turn 19, forcing Lawson to lift off the throttle and brake slightly.

“The stewards therefore determined that Hamilton did not follow the traffic-management instructions and unnecessarily impeded Lawson,” the decision stated.

Stewards classify Hamilton’s obstruction as “severe”

The usual punishment for impeding during free practice is a warning, unless the incident is considered dangerous or intentional.

The stewards concluded that Hamilton had not deliberately obstructed Lawson. However, they considered the incident too serious for a simple warning because of the speed involved and the specific instructions issued before the session.

“In this case, there was no intent but, given the layout and the high-speed corners, as well as the specific instructions given by the Race Director, the impeding in the stewards’ opinion was severe,” the FIA explained.

The ruling also highlighted a complication created by the 2026 cars. Hamilton and Lawson told the stewards that the loss of electrical deployment near the end of a lap can produce a substantial speed difference between two cars.

“The stewards also took into account the difficulty of managing the energy deployment from Turn 16 to Turn 19 and at the end of the lap,” the decision continued.

“Additionally, both drivers mentioned during the hearing that when a driver has no more energy to deploy, the difference in speed between the two cars in that specific section is important.”

That explanation reduced the severity of the sanction, but did not excuse Hamilton’s failure to move away from the racing line after receiving two warnings from Ferrari.

Does Hamilton face an Azerbaijan GP grid penalty?

Hamilton does not receive a grid penalty or penalty points for the incident. The reprimand is nevertheless his second of the season after he was also reprimanded for a yellow-flag infringement following the British GP.

Formula 1 drivers can receive four reprimands without an automatic grid sanction. A fifth reprimand triggers a ten-place grid penalty if at least four of the five were issued for driving infringements.

Hamilton therefore faces no immediate consequence for Azerbaijan GP qualifying, but further driving reprimands during the remainder of 2026 could place him at risk of a grid drop.

The Ferrari driver finished fifth in FP2 as George Russell completed a Thursday practice sweep for Mercedes. Lawson ended the session tenth.

FP3 begins on Friday at 09:30 UK time, followed by qualifying at 13:00. The Azerbaijan GP takes place on Saturday at 12:00.

GRANDE PRÊMIO follows every session of the Azerbaijan GP LIVE and in REAL TIME.

F1 today: FAQ

Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?

The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.

What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?

The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.

Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?

Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.