The FIA is set to hold a crucial meeting with Formula 1 drivers during the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, scheduled from July 24-26, 2026. This discussion will primarily address recent stewarding decisions and driving standards, with particular focus on incidents involving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Both Ferrari drivers were involved in contentious moments at Spa-Francorchamps. Leclerc avoided a penalty after contact with Oscar Piastri, while Hamilton received a five-second time penalty for an opening lap collision with George Russell.
The stewards’ decisions in these instances have been criticised for perceived inconsistencies with the International Sporting Code (ISC) and the Driving Standards Guidelines (DSG). This has prompted renewed calls for clarity and uniformity in how regulations are applied.
The meeting in Hungary is part of an ongoing series of discussions between drivers and the FIA. The frequency of these meetings was increased following an agreement reached at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix.
The incident between Leclerc and Piastri on Lap 8 of the Belgian Grand Prix saw Leclerc move across on the McLaren, resulting in contact and damage to Piastri’s car. Stewards ultimately deemed no further action was necessary.
Their rationale stated that Piastri’s front axle was not ahead of Leclerc’s, and there was no possibility of an overtake from that position. They also determined Leclerc did not deliberately crowd Piastri.
However, the ISC mandates that a driver returning to the racing line after defending off-line must leave at least one car width. The contact suggests this was not adhered to.
Critics argue the stewards applied guidelines intended for overtaking on the outside of a corner to an incident on a straight, potentially misinterpreting the regulations. The ISC’s wording on leaving a car’s width is objective, regardless of intent.
Conversely, Lewis Hamilton’s five-second penalty for his clash with George Russell was widely considered harsh. Hamilton, battling a battery issue, made contact with Russell at Les Combes.
Hamilton described it as a racing incident, an opinion shared by many observers. The stewards, however, attributed 100 percent of the fault to Hamilton, citing understeer that should have been accounted for.
The Driving Standards Guidelines suggest that Hamilton, as the overtaking car with his front wheel alongside Russell’s mirror, was entitled to racing room. This contradicts the stewards’ decision.
The FIA updated its Stewards Guidelines for Driving Standards & Penalties on March 6, 2026, aiming to promote greater understanding of judicial processes. These guidelines, while not regulatory, inform steward decisions.
A significant meeting in November 2025 saw drivers express frustration over inconsistent stewarding. This led to an expanded role for the Driver Steward in 2026, with Vitantonio Liuzzi, Pedro Lamy, and Derek Warwick selected for these positions.
The FIA is also exploring the possibility of paying stewards, a move that could attract more experienced former drivers to the role and potentially enhance decision-making consistency.
The upcoming discussions in Hungary are expected to provide a platform for drivers to directly address these recent incidents and seek improved clarity and consistency in future stewarding.
