Lewis Hamilton is at risk of FIA sanctions after driving his Ferrari in an unsafe condition following a crash in the final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid street circuit on Saturday.
The seven-time world champion appeared set to set the fastest time but hit the wall at the final corner, triggering the second red flag of the session. The impact damaged his front wing and scattered debris across the track, forcing a temporary halt.
Hamilton managed to reverse and get moving again, but his front wing was trapped under the car, causing major damage to the SF-26, including a puncture to his front right tyre. Despite this, he chose to continue rather than stop the car as instructed by his team.
Hamilton repeatedly ignored instructions from Ferrari to stop, insisting he could make it back to the pits. The 41-year-old Briton eventually gave up about halfway through the lap and parked his Ferrari.
Hamilton's decision to continue with a damaged front wing and a punctured tyre could breach FIA safety regulations, which require drivers to stop if their car is in a dangerous condition. Ignoring team orders may result in a grid penalty or fine. The incident also raises questions about driver-team communication under pressure.
The crash comes at a critical time for Hamilton as he adapts to Ferrari after years with Mercedes. The tight and challenging Madrid street circuit demands high precision, and any mistake can be costly. The accident also hampers the team's preparations for qualifying, as they must repair the car within a limited timeframe.
FIA stewards are expected to investigate the incident after the session. If found guilty, Hamilton could face a penalty affecting his starting position for the Spanish Grand Prix. An official decision will be announced before the race.
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