Lewis Hamilton fined for post-race celebration
Lewis Hamilton has been fined €5000 ($7770 AUD) for undoing his seatbelts while celebrating his Brazilian Grand Prix victory.
Lewis Hamilton celebrates post-race. (Jiri Krenek)
Hamilton loosened his seatbelt to retrieve and hold a Brazilian flag in honour of hero Ayrton Senna.
The Mercedes driver's punishment includes a €20,000 ($31,078 AUD) fine suspended until the end of the 2022 season.
However, this is the first time the seven-time world champion has faced reprimand for the act.
"The driver of car 44, Lewis Hamilton, undid his seat belts on the in-lap at the end of the race,” read the stewards’ decision.
"While the Stewards are sympathetic to the desire to celebrate, it is fundamentally unsafe to undo the seatbelts while the car is in motion.”
“Slow speeds in these cars are very fast for an unrestrained occupant.”
"Further, Formula 1 drivers set the example for junior categories.”
“It is critical that junior category drivers learn the importance of using all the safety devices of the car at all times."
