Anthony Davidson, former Formula 1 driver turned Sky Sports F1 pundit, has launched a scathing criticism of Lewis Hamilton for setting a bad example to young drivers during the third practice session (FP3) for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. According to Davidson, Hamilton's decision to continue driving with a heavily damaged car sent the wrong message to aspiring racers.
The incident began when Hamilton, who had shown competitive pace, crashed at the final corner of the Madrid circuit. The Ferrari driver looked set to post the fastest time but lost control and hit the barriers. After reversing out of the barriers, Hamilton attempted to limp his SF-26 back to the pits despite significant front wing damage lodged under the chassis.
What drew scrutiny was Hamilton's decision to keep going even after his Ferrari team repeatedly instructed him to stop in a safe place. He even ignored a formal request from FIA race director Rui Marques to stop the car. The incident caused FP3 to be temporarily halted and drew criticism from various quarters.
Davidson, also known for his technical analysis, did not hide his disappointment. "Any young driver that is watching this right now, you don't do that. You just don't do that," he said on air. "That's what you could have tried to do [get back to the pits] but that rule is there for a reason. If it went under the car completely and jacked your front wheels up and there were marshals on the track, you've got to think of all these scenarios."
The incident has raised questions about driver compliance with safety procedures. F1's 2026 sporting regulations state that driving with significant or obvious damage or failing to stop a car with such damage during a free practice session could result in either a reprimand or a grid penalty. As of now, the FIA has yet to issue an update on whether Hamilton will be investigated.
After the delay caused by the incident, FP3 eventually resumed and was topped by championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who impressed in his Mercedes. Meanwhile, Hamilton had to watch from the garage, and the incident could be a major setback in his pursuit of performance for the rest of the weekend.
Davidson's criticism highlights the importance of role models for the younger generation, especially from a driver of Hamilton's stature. The incident also serves as a reminder that safety on track is non-negotiable, even for the most experienced drivers.
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