FIA hit Mercedes with punishment after strange Hamilton incident in Austria

The FIA have announced their verdict following an investigation into an incident involving Lewis Hamilton in qualifying in Austria.

The seven-time champion will line up for Sunday's race in fifth as Max Verstappen claimed pole position at Red Bull’s home grand prix.

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Hamilton was again outqualified by team-mate George Russell, who put his W15 in third for the race, with fellow Brit Lando Norris lining up on the front row with Verstappen.

The result means that Hamilton is now 9-2 down in the qualifying battle with his team-mate in what was ultimately a frustrating afternoon in Spielberg.

READ MORE: FIA announce Verstappen penalty verdict after Austrian GP mishap

Mercedes fined for Q3 incident

To make matters worse for the 39-year-old, he was summoned to the stewards after the session following a bizarre incident in Q3.

Leaving his Mercedes garage, Hamilton appeared to drag a rear jack and extraction pipe with him and into the pit lane.

The FIA immediately announced an investigation into the matter and after concluding their discussions, they found Hamilton in breach of Article 34.14 a) for an unsafe release and issued Mercedes a 5,000 euro fine.

An FIA investigation following the investigation read: “The Stewards heard from the team representative and reviewed video evidence.

“Car 44 was released from the garage in an unsafe manner dragging a jack and an exhaust extractor behind it. The Stewards acknowledge that the team immediately informed the driver to stop to prevent any further damage and/or dangerous situation.

“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.

“Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”

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