Lewis Hamilton retained his fourth-place finish in the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix after striking a Ferrari mechanic during a pit stop. The team received a 30,000 euro fine for the unsafe release but avoided further sporting penalties.
The incident occurred on lap 20 at Spa-Francorchamps when Hamilton pitted under the virtual safety car. After his tires were changed and a five-second penalty served for an earlier clash with George Russell, a mechanic attempted a late front wing adjustment. Hamilton received the green light and the car struck the mechanic, who fell but sustained no injuries.
Ferrari confirmed the mechanic was unharmed. Stewards fined the team 30,000 euro, with half suspended for 12 months, and required a review of pit procedures. They imposed no additional penalty on Hamilton because he stopped immediately and lost time.
Hamilton said the moment recalled Kimi Raikkonen's 2018 Bahrain incident. "I'm just grateful that he didn't get hurt," he stated. Kimi Antonelli won the race while Charles Leclerc finished second.
