The penalty follows an investigation into his failure to slow sufficiently under double waved yellow flags during pre-race reconnaissance laps at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Why did Lewis Hamilton get a penalty?

During the lead-up to the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Hamilton did not adequately reduce his speed when entering a double yellow flag sector near the pit entry, a crucial safety regulation designed to protect personnel on the grid and in the pit lane.

While Hamilton reduced his speed by roughly 20 km/h compared to practice sessions and applied earlier braking, stewards ruled this did not constitute a "significant" reduction under the sporting code's strict criteria. 

As a result, the stewards imposed a five-place grid drop for the Italian GP, rather than the 10-place penalty originally possible, acknowledging Hamilton's attempt to comply as mitigating circumstances.

Additionally, he received two penalty points on his FIA super licence, marking the first such penalty points for the seven-time world champion in the current 12-month period. 

Impact on Hamilton’s season

Hamilton’s penalty compounds a difficult period in his Ferrari debut season, highlighted by a crash during the Dutch GP—his first retirement since joining Ferrari—where he lost control of his car at the banked Turn 3 in wet conditions.

This incident, coupled with the penalty, adds pressure as he approaches the iconic Monza circuit, Ferrari’s home race, where expectations from tifosi and team alike remain high despite the ongoing struggles. 

Hamilton acknowledged the setback but expressed determination to rebound, stating that although the crash was painful, he felt progress during the weekend and believed he had the pace to compete with the frontrunners.

The penalty means he cannot start higher than sixth on the grid in Italy, complicating his chances for a strong result but freeing him from the weight of podium expectations.

Ferrari’s Challenging Weekend

The Dutch Grand Prix was overall difficult for Ferrari, as teammate Charles Leclerc also retired following a collision with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. While the team currently stands second in the constructors’ championship, they trail leaders McLaren by a significant margin, underscoring the urgent need for consistent points and performances. 

As Hamilton prepares for the Italian GP, the grid penalty serves as a reminder of the high stakes and strict regulations in Formula 1, and the fine margins that can dramatically impact championship ambitions.

The seven-time world champion aims to leverage the setback as motivation to find pace and consistency in the remaining races of this pivotal season.