FIA to investigate Hamilton, Verstappen and Tsunoda for Race Director instruction breaches

The FIA stewards confirmed that the three drivers will be investigated for allegedly failing to follow Race Director’s instructions. The incidents involving Hamilton, Verstappen and Tsunoda were each recorded shortly before the Sprint began, with the stewards opting to defer their review until after the chequered flag.

The first incident listed involved Tsunoda, with the FIA noting a potential breach at 11:34:12. Verstappen was then noted two seconds later, at 11:34:26, while Hamilton’s alleged incident was logged at 11:34:56.

No further detail was given in the initial messages regarding the precise instructions that each driver may have failed to follow. The FIA’s notices only stated that the respective incidents involved a potential failure to comply with Race Director’s instructions.

This type of investigation can cover a broad range of procedures, particularly around the pre-race and formation-lap phases. Drivers must adhere to specific instructions relating to grid formation, pit-lane procedures, practice starts, positioning, overtaking restrictions and safety protocols. However, until the stewards release their full decisions, it remains unclear which instruction was relevant in each of the three cases.

Hamilton, Verstappen and Tsunoda now await the outcome of the post-Sprint review, with the stewards expected to hear from the drivers and team representatives before reaching a verdict.

Potential consequences can vary considerably depending on the nature and seriousness of the alleged breach. The FIA has the option to issue a warning, reprimand or financial penalty, while more significant sporting penalties, such as time penalties or grid drops for the Grand Prix, can be applied if the stewards determine a more serious infringement has taken place.

For Verstappen, racing at his home event in front of the passionate Zandvoort crowd, any penalty would be particularly unwelcome ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton and Tsunoda will likewise be hoping the matter is resolved without an impact on their Sunday starting positions.

The investigations come after a tense Sprint build-up at Zandvoort, where race control also reported double yellow flags in sector 11 before the track was declared clear. There was also a 20 per cent risk of rain noted for the Sprint, adding another potential complication to the session.

At this stage, it is important to note that none of the three drivers has been found guilty of an offence. The FIA has simply confirmed that each incident will be investigated after the Sprint.

Further information is expected once the stewards have examined the evidence, including timing data, team radio, video footage and the drivers’ explanations.