Frédéric Vasseur questions Lewis Hamilton’s penalty: “The sensors say the car didn’t move”. Ferrari explains Lewis Hamilton's false start penalty at Silverstone.

Lewis Hamilton’s five-second penalty became one of the main talking points after the 2026 Formula 1 British Grand Prix, with Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur offering the team’s perspective while ultimately accepting the FIA’s decision.

Lewis Hamilton’s penalty

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton made an excellent start at Silverstone, both overtaking Andrea Kimi Antonelli to move into the top two positions in the early stages of the race.

However, a review of the start footage revealed that Lewis Hamilton had moved before the lights went out completely. That prompted an FIA investigation, which resulted in a five-second penalty that the Ferrari driver served during his first pit stop.

The FIA’s explanation

In the stewards’ official report, the incident was described as follows: “After the third red light was illuminated, and before the start signal was given, Car 44 moved. This was clearly visible from the onboard footage using the Pirelli marking on the tyres as a reference point, which moved before all the lights had been extinguished. The fact that the movement was limited does not negate the infringement. Any movement during that interval constitutes a false start/movement before the start signal.”

Ferrari’s response

Speaking to reporters after the British Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur was asked for his opinion on the penalty.

“The sensors show that the car didn’t move on the grid. It’s true that, in the video, you can see the tyre marking move by just 42 millimetres, but it’s not for me to judge. I think it’s a harsh decision when the sensors don’t detect any movement. But on the other hand, the stewards don’t comment on their decisions, so we have to accept it,” the French manager explained.