F1, Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton reports gearbox concern after late FP3 issue in Austria. Ferrari to check Lewis Hamilton's gearbox after unusual anti-stall message in FP3.

Lewis Hamilton asks Ferrari to check gearbox after anti-stall issue in Austrian GP FP3

Lewis Hamilton raised a late concern over Ferrari’s gearbox during the final stages of FP3 at the Austrian Grand Prix, adding another technical talking point for the Scuderia ahead of qualifying at the Red Bull Ring.

The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion reported the issue over team radio after a difficult moment at Turn 3, one of the heaviest braking zones on the Spielberg circuit. The corner regularly punishes even small errors, especially when drivers are pushing on low fuel ahead of qualifying runs.

Speaking to Ferrari over the radio, Lewis Hamilton explained that he had locked the rear wheels under braking before noticing something unusual with the car’s behaviour.

“I locked up in Turn 3, locked the rears.

“We need to check the gearbox. It said it was shifting but I was still in anti-stall.”

Ferrari facing another important check before qualifying

The message will require Ferrari to complete precautionary checks before the start of qualifying, particularly because any gearbox-related issue can become costly on a short and intense lap like the Red Bull Ring. With braking stability, traction and clean gear changes all crucial in Austria, even a small drivability problem can cost valuable tenths.

The Briton’s reference to anti-stall is especially important because the system is designed to prevent the engine from stalling when revs drop too low. If the car indicated that it was shifting while remaining in anti-stall, Ferrari engineers will need to understand whether the issue was linked to gearbox behaviour, clutch control, software logic or the sequence triggered by the rear lock-up.

At this stage, there is no confirmation of a serious mechanical problem, but the timing is far from ideal. FP3 is the final opportunity to complete checks before the cars enter parc fermé conditions for qualifying, meaning Ferrari will have limited time to analyse the data and decide whether any intervention is required.

Turn 3 remains a key trouble spot in Austria

Turn 3 has already proven difficult for several drivers across the weekend. The uphill braking zone requires strong rear stability, while the corner exit is critical because it leads into one of the main acceleration zones of the lap. A rear lock-up there can easily disrupt the car’s systems and compromise the following phase of the lap.

For Ferrari, the concern comes during a weekend in which the SF-26 has already required detailed setup work to improve balance, grip and straight-line performance. Lewis Hamilton had shown encouraging pace during final practice, but his radio message ensures that the gearbox and anti-stall behaviour will be closely examined before qualifying begins.

The Scuderia will now hope the problem was only a temporary consequence of the Turn 3 lock-up rather than a sign of a deeper issue. With the field expected to be extremely close in qualifying, Ferrari cannot afford any uncertainty on reliability or drivability as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc prepare for the fight at the Red Bull Ring.