Lewis Hamilton fined R1m for 'dangerous' on-track antics in Qatar

Mercedes driver and seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has been given a €50 000 (R1 014 392, est.) fine for crossing a live racetrack during the Qatar Grand Prix.

Following an early exit from the race after colliding with team-mate George Russell, Hamilton returned to the pits by crossing the circuit.

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While this may seem innocent, the track was active, and Russell, who rejoined the race after pitting at the end of Lap 1, drove by seconds after Hamilton had crossed that section of the track.

The broadcast footage showing Hamilton returning to the pits caught the race stewards' attention, leading to a post-race investigation.

Hamilton was found guilty, and 50% of the fine was suspended for the remaining races of the 2023 season if an incident of a similar nature does not happen again.

A disconsolate Lewis Hamilton walks back to the pits as team mate George Russell circulates behind after their Turn 1 collision #F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/YvqxadsOqt

The report

Following the hearing, the stewards released their findings, noting that Hamilton realised how dangerous the situation could have played out.

"After crashing out of the race in Lap 1, the driver of Car 44 (Hamilton) abandoned his car in the gravel and ran back to the pits," the report read.

"He thereby crossed the track that was live at this time and reached the inside edge of the track just seconds before Car 63 (Russell) arrived at high speed after exiting the pits. He then continued to walk alongside the track until finally exiting the track.

READ | Lewis Hamilton 'happy to take responsibility' for clash with teammate Russell

"During the hearing, the driver of Car 44 was very