Hamilton to Start from the Back of the Grid in Monza After Inquiry
monza, Italy – September 3, 2023 – Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after stewards persistent he impeded Pierre Gasly during qualifying. The penalty follows a post-qualifying investigation into an incident at the Ascari chicane.
The incident occurred late in Q3 as drivers were preparing for thier final flying laps. Gasly was on a hot lap when he was forced to slow significantly while approaching Hamilton, who was on an out-lap.
Stewards initially reviewed evidence and noted conflicting views. “we examined whether one of the drivers should have done something differently. In addition, we checked whether AUTO 16 [gasly] fell on the track or strayed from the route. the available evidence was not conclusive whether Auto 16 had left the route. Clear evidence provides that Auto 16 had left the route,” the official statement read.
Both Hamilton and Gasly initially characterized the incident as a racing matter, suggesting no further action was warranted. However, after further review of all available evidence, stewards disagreed.
“Both drivers took the view that it was a racing incident and that this should not follow any further consequences for any of the drivers.We checked all available evidence and came to the same conclusion,” the statement continued.Despite this initial assessment, stewards ultimately imposed the grid penalty. “We did not take any further measures accordingly.”
The penalty significantly impacts Hamilton’s race prospects at a track known for overtaking difficulty. The Italian Grand Prix is a crucial event in the Formula 1 calendar, and the incident adds another layer of drama to the weekend.
