Lewis Hamilton handed severe Monaco Grand Prix penalty as FIA issue disqualification ruling Both Hamilton and his arch nemesis Verstappen were summoned to see the stewards following qualifying for the iconic race, after Hamilton appeared to block the path of the Dutchman
Lewis Hamilton has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix after impeding Max Verstappen during qualifying. Originally qualifying fourth, Hamilton will now start seventh on the grid. The incident occurred when Hamilton, misinformed by his Ferrari team that Verstappen was on a cooldown lap, inadvertently blocked Verstappen’s flying lap. Verstappen had to take evasive action to avoid a collision, leading to frustration expressed over team radio. Despite the miscommunication originating from the team, the FIA stewards emphasized that such errors do not mitigate the infringement, resulting in the standard penalty for impeding during qualifying sessions .  
Hamilton promptly apologized to Verstappen post-session, acknowledging the mistake. Verstappen, while initially upset, later accepted the apology, recognizing that the fault lay with the team’s communication rather than Hamilton’s intent . 
This penalty significantly impacts Hamilton’s prospects in Monaco, a circuit renowned for its challenging overtaking opportunities. Starting from seventh, he faces an uphill battle to secure a podium finish. The incident also underscores the critical importance of precise team-driver communication in Formula 1, where split-second decisions can have substantial consequences.
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix promises heightened drama, with Lando Norris securing a surprise pole position and Charles Leclerc starting second. Hamilton’s penalty adds another layer of intrigue to the race, as teams and drivers navigate the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, where strategy and precision are paramount .