Hamilton reprimanded for crossing the track after Russell crash

Lewis Hamilton has been reprimanded following the Qatar Grand Prix for crossing the track on his return back to the pits after the first corner incident with his teammate George Russell.

Lewis Hamilton has received a reprimand and a 50.000€ fine for crossing the track to return to the pit lane.

The fine could be reduced to 25.000€ if there is no further breach of similar nature for the remainder of the 2023 season.#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/hikbZSSl4r

— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 8, 2023

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The two Mercedes drivers came together as Hamilton attempted an ambitious move around the outside and Russell was left nowhere to go as he had pole-sitter Max Verstappen on the inside.

It left the 7-time world champion stranded in the gravel and as he jumped out of the car TV cameras showed him crossing the track on his way back to the pitlane. That caught the attention of the Stewards and Hamilton was subsequently investigated.

After reviewing the incident, they decided to dish out a non-driving reprimand and a €50,000 fine, €25,000 of which is suspended for the remainder of the 2023 season providing there is no further breach of similar nature.

“After crashing out of the race in Lap 1, the driver of Car 44 [Hamilton] abandoned his car in the gravel and ran back to the pits.” a statement read.

“He thereby crossed the track that was live at this time and reached the inside edge of the track just seconds before Car 63 [Russell] arrived at high speed after exiting the pits. He then continued to walk alongside the track until finally exiting the track.”