Ferrari fined €10,000 for tire‑return breach at Belgian Grand Prix

The FIA imposed a €10,000 fine on Scuderia Ferrari after the team failed to physically return two sets of dry‑weather tyres used by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during Friday’s free‑practice session at Spa‑Francorchamps. The procedural breach concerned Article B6.4.2 of the Formula 1 sporting regulations, which requires teams to deliver used tyres back to Pirelli before the next session. The sanction was purely financial; neither driver received a grid penalty or any sporting restriction.

Lewis Hamilton was handed a five‑second time penalty for causing a first‑lap collision with former teammate George Russell. Hamilton argued the incident was a racing incident, while the stewards cited under‑steer and contact as grounds for the penalty. Russell retired from the race after the clash.

Nico Hülkenberg received a reprimand for insufficient speed reduction under double‑yellow‑flag conditions during the same practice session, sparking debate over flag‑response protocols.

In the Formula 3 support race, qualifying at Spa turned chaotic, resulting in eleven drivers receiving grid‑drop penalties for collisions, weaving, or driving too slowly on the racing line.

Separately, Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Waché confirmed the team is working to resolve a mechanical issue with its reverse‑wing device before its planned return at the Budapest sprint race, dismissing any push for a ban on the component.