Newly surfaced onboard footage from Lewis Hamilton’s final laps in the Singapore Grand Prix has ignited further debate after the FIA officially handed the Ferrari driver a penalty for exceeding track limits. The unseen video captures critical moments during which Hamilton struggled to control his car following a severe brake failure.
Running sixth with three laps remaining, Hamilton’s front-left brake failure forced him to nurse his car carefully to the finish. Despite managing to stay on track, he slipped behind his teammate Charles Leclerc and narrowly fended off Fernando Alonso, crossing the line just 0.4 seconds ahead. The FIA later launched an investigation into Hamilton’s conduct for “leaving the track without a justifiable reason.”
Throughout the final laps, Hamilton could be heard on the radio pleading his case, insisting that the violation stemmed from “force majeure,” a circumstance beyond his control. Live television coverage avoided showing his onboard footage, instead focusing on McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship celebration. However, the newly circulated clip now provides a full view of the moments in question.
The recording reveals Hamilton cutting across Turns 2, 16, and 17, though he re-entered the track in accordance with FIA rejoining protocols. Alonso, visibly angered, complained over his team radio, accusing Hamilton of gaining an unfair advantage. Following a full review, the FIA concluded that Hamilton’s actions warranted a five-second time penalty.
The ruling demoted Hamilton to eighth place in the final standings, costing him two valuable championship points. The controversy has since reignited discussions about FIA consistency and the fine line between mechanical failure and driver accountability, adding yet another twist to an already dramatic Singapore weekend.
