Lewis Hamilton could drop to the third row of the grid for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix after impeding Oscar Piastri at Turn 1 during Q3. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur admitted that the team warned its driver too late for him to take evasive action.
Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed pole position in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying but now risks losing his place on the front row. The Ferrari driver obstructed Oscar Piastri immediately after completing his second Q3 attempt, having failed to improve his lap time.
Lewis Hamilton risks Hungarian GP grid penalty
The incident occurred at Turn 1, where Lewis Hamilton was already in the middle of the corner when Oscar Piastri approached on a flying lap. It could prove particularly costly for the seven-time world champion, whose exceptional record at the Hungaroring had strengthened hopes of another major result with Ferrari.
Speaking to Sky after qualifying, Frédéric Vasseur acknowledged Ferrari’s responsibility for the late communication: “Hamilton at risk of a penalty? Yes, we told him too late and he couldn’t do anything because he was already in the middle of the corner. There was a yellow flag, but the signal didn’t reach him.”
Frédéric Vasseur says Ferrari strategy would remain unchanged
A penalty for Lewis Hamilton would promote Charles Leclerc by one position on the Hungarian Grand Prix starting grid. Despite that possible change, Frédéric Vasseur explained that Ferrari would not alter its race strategy.
“If the penalty comes, our strategy will not change because Leclerc will move up one position anyway,” the Ferrari team principal added. “Moreover, with these rules, you never know where you will finish the first lap, regardless of your starting position.”
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