Why Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar escaped major Monaco penalties explained

Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar both endured eventful Monaco Grands Prix en route to the podium, with both drivers facing investigations.

During the sixth round of the season, Hamilton was penalised mid-race for exceeding the pit lane speed limit by 0.1 km/h, resulting in a five-second time penalty.

The penalty was served during the seven-time world champion's second pit stop, which took place under the safety car while Lance Stroll's crashed Aston Martin was recovered from the final corner.

However, that was not the only investigation Hamilton faced, as he was also placed under investigation during the grand prix for an alleged safety car infringement.

Hamilton came under scrutiny after falling more than 10 car lengths behind Kimi Antonelli under the safety car, while Hadjar was also investigated for the same offence. Specifically, both were alleged to have breached Article B5.13.2 of the FIA Formula 1 Regulations.

On this occasion, the FIA stewards decided that no further action was required against either Hamilton or Hadjar. The reasoning provided by the stewards was identical in both cases.

It was "noted" by the stewards that during a safety car in last year's Canadian Grand Prix, race control allowed a driver to fall beyond 10 car lengths "in the interests of safety", with tyre and power unit preparation required.

The stewards' report for both drivers read: "The Stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. 

"It was noted that at a previous event (Canada 2025) Race Control had advised that in the interests of safety it would allow a certain degree of tolerance in relation to such alleged breaches, as drivers were required to prepare tyres and power units. Accordingly no further action is taken."

What about Hadjar's alleged red flag infringement?

For Hadjar, the alleged safety car infringement was not the only matter that left him under investigation. The Red Bull driver also faced a separate inquiry.

Hadjar was investigated for an alleged red-flag infringement during a stoppage caused by a track inspection at the final corner, where a section of newly laid tarmac had started to break up.

It was noted that Red Bull mechanics were carrying out work on the Frenchman's car during the red-flag period that was not permitted under the regulations.

However, Hadjar escaped a penalty because, although the Austrian outfit was reported to have attempted to change the spark plugs and ignition coils, his car restarted the race in the same condition as it had been when the red flag was shown.

The stewards' report read: "The Stewards heard from the team representatives and the FIA Technical Delegate, and reviewed photo evidence. 

"The team were reported as attempting to change spark plugs/coils but did not proceed with the change and the car started in the same condition as it arrived in the pits, therefore no further action is taken."