Hamilton slapped with heavy fine after Russell collision

Lewis Hamilton has been fined €50,000, half of which is suspended, and issued a reprimand by stewards after crossing the track following his Qatar Grand Prix accident.

On the run to Turn 1 at Lusail, Hamilton tried to go around the outside of team-mate George Russell and pole-sitter Max Verstappen by using the grippier Soft tyres compared to their Mediums.

However, the two Mercedes collided with Hamilton out on the spot while Russell continued to finish fourth.

After abandoning the W14, Hamilton crossed the live race-track under Safety Car conditions, just as Russell was exiting the pits after repairs.

This breached Article 26.7b of the Sporting Regulations, with Hamilton fined the €50k, with half suspended until the end of the 2023 season.

An apologetic Hamilton was also hit with a non-driving reprimand for the incident - his first of the season.

As for the actual collision itself, the stewards felt that Hamilton was "predominantly at fault" but that the incident was to be considered as a 'Lap 1, Turn 1" incident and no driver is wholly at fault.

No further action was taken.