Lewis Hamilton has urged the FIA to issue an exceptional ruling following a chaotic conclusion to the Singapore Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion found himself in sixth place with just three laps remaining when his Mercedes developed a sudden brake issue while attempting to overtake teammate Kimi Antonelli. The malfunction forced him to ease off dramatically, sacrificing his position but managing to cross the finish line in seventh after narrowly holding off Fernando Alonso by 0.4 seconds.
Despite his finish, Hamilton was placed under FIA investigation for repeatedly exceeding track limits on the final lap while defending his position. His engineer, Riccardo Adami, later informed him of a probable five-second penalty that could drop him to ninth place. However, Hamilton contested the decision, arguing that his off-track excursions were caused by “force majeure” — an unavoidable situation beyond his control due to the brake failure. He voiced his frustration over the radio, declaring, “I can’t stop the car, mate. The brakes don’t work, the pedal’s on the floor. Surely it’s not a penalty when it’s force majeure.”
The FIA now faces a complex dilemma. Historically, penalties are rarely overturned unless compelling new evidence or a clear stewarding error emerges. While Hamilton’s defense rests on mechanical failure, rival teams like Aston Martin are expected to counter that his track-limit violations unfairly preserved his position over Alonso, thus constituting an advantage.
In a development that hints at deeper scrutiny, both Hamilton and Ferrari were summoned to appear before the stewards rather than being immediately penalized. The FIA’s summons described Hamilton’s alleged offense as “leaving the track without a justifiable reason,” referencing Article 33.3 of the Sporting Regulations. The clause mandates that drivers must make every reasonable effort to remain on track and may only leave it with legitimate justification — a point now central to Hamilton’s case.
The regulation further stipulates that rejoining the track is permitted only when safe and without gaining a lasting advantage. It remains to be seen whether Hamilton’s plea of mechanical failure will sway the FIA into a rare act of leniency. As the stewards deliberate, the motorsport community watches closely — aware that the verdict could set a powerful precedent for future races under extraordinary mechanical circumstances.
