Hamilton fined 5,000 euros for seat belt violation.
SAO PAULO: Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, was fined 5,000 euros ($ 5,723.50) on Sunday after loosening his seat belt and picking up a Brazilian flag to celebrate victory at Interlagos.
An additional fine of 20,000 euros was suspended until the end of 2022.
Stewards had summoned a representative of the Mercedes team for an alleged violation of the sporting code by his driver.
The code states that drivers “must be properly restrained in their seat with seat belts … at all times during a competition when mobile on a circuit, pit lane, special stage or competition track.”
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Hamilton had slowed down after winning the race to wave to the crowd and collect the flag.
“While the stewards are sympathetic to the desire to celebrate, it is fundamentally unsafe to unfasten the seat belts while the car is in motion,” said the decision.
“The slow speeds in these cars are very fast for an unrestrained occupant.
“In addition, Formula One drivers set the example for the junior categories. It is essential that the junior category drivers learn the importance of using all the car’s safety devices at all times.”
(US $ 1 = 0.8736 euros)