Hamilton’s FP3 crash sparks penalty risk amid Davidson warning
Lewis Hamilton reversed a damaged Mercedes‑W1 back toward the pit lane after colliding with the wall at the final corner of Madrid’s FP3, provoking a red‑flag that Sky Sports analyst Anthony Davidson criticised as a “poor example” for young drivers.
The collision left Hamilton with a puncture and a front‑wing after‑tunnel, yet he continued to circulate until the race director’s directive forced him to stop at the exit of Turn 14 and return to the pit.
Davidson, speaking during the live broadcast, urged the team to communicate that the front wing sat beneath the car and that a penalty would likely follow. He added: “Any young driver watching this right now, you don’t do that.”
The practice session resumed with Kimi Antonelli claiming the fastest lap; Hamilton finished ninth, the first of the season to be alphabetically disqualified from the running grid after the incident.
Potential penalties pending
FIA officials have yet to release a decision, but Hamilton could face either a fine or a sporting penalty following the red‑flag breach and the decision to drive the damaged car.
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