MONACO, 25 MAY 2025 – The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, already fraught with tension for its legendary track, has turned into a true theater of emotions with the penalty imposed on Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion, now at the wheel of Ferrari, was demoted three places on the grid, going from fourth to seventh, after an episode of impeding Max Verstappen during qualifying. The FIA’s decision has sparked controversy, with the Ferrari team calling the sanction “unfair” and fans divided on the verdict.
The incident occurred in Q1, at Turn 3 (Massenet), when Hamilton, on a slow lap, blocked Verstappen, who was on a flying lap. According to the stewards, the Englishman did not slow down to leave room for the Red Bull driver, compromising his attempt. Telemetry and radio communications confirmed an error by the Ferrari pit wall, which had mistakenly informed Hamilton that Verstappen was not on a flying lap. “You told me that Max was not on his flying lap…”, Hamilton blurted out over the radio, visibly frustrated.
Despite Hamilton’s immediate apology to Verstappen and explanations from team principal Frederic Vasseur, the FIA was adamant. According to the rules, the miscommunication is not a mitigating factor, and the standard three-place penalty was applied. This allowed Verstappen, Isack Hadjar and Fernando Alonso to gain a place on the grid, while Hamilton finds himself starting from seventh on a track where overtaking is almost impossible.
The decision has reignited debate over the strictness of FIA rules. Vasseur pointed out that Hamilton himself was the victim of a similar incident, with traffic caused by Antonelli and Ocon, without the latter being penalised. “If we apply the rules so strictly, then we have to be consistent,” the team principal said. However, the stewards reiterated that each case is assessed individually, and Hamilton’s impediment was considered clear.
Despite the penalty, Hamilton remains optimistic: “I feel more and more comfortable with the Ferrari. With two mandatory pit stops, the race is not compromised.” His confidence is supported by the good pace of the SF-25, which allowed Charles Leclerc to take the front row alongside poleman Lando Norris with a record lap under 70 seconds.
The Monaco Grand Prix promises to be a fiery one. With Leclerc looking to bounce back after missing out on pole and Hamilton forced to make a tough comeback, Ferrari is in the spotlight. The Monaco track, with its low walls and treacherous curves, will be the ultimate test for the Maranello team’s strategy and talent. Will Hamilton be able to turn disappointment into a positive result?
