Following a tightly contested F3 qualifying session at the Hungaroring, the Stewards issued several decisions that will affect the starting grid for both the Sprint and Feature Races of the 2025 Hungarian GP. While the session ended with Trident’s Rafael Câmara on provisional pole, post-session investigations have led to key penalties that adjust the order of both the Sprint and Feature Race starting grids.
Voisin penalised for blocking Johnson
Rodin Motorsport’s Callum Voisin has received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Hitech TGR’s Nikita Johnson at the exit of Turn 13. Voisin, who had initially qualified 23rd, will now start both races from 26th.
According to the Stewards’ report, Voisin was travelling at just 19 kilometres per hour on the racing line as Johnson approached at much higher speed. Although Johnson ultimately avoided contact by leaving the track to complete the overtake, the Stewards judged Voisin’s movement towards the outside line as “unnecessary” and “potentially dangerous.” Furthermore, they stressed that drivers must not remain on the racing line at low speeds, particularly in zones where the Event Notes require full pace.
Christian Ho drops three places after blocking León
DAMS Lucas Oil driver Christian Ho will also serve a three-place grid drop after being found guilty of impeding MP Motorsport’s Noel León during Qualifying. Ho had originally qualified 24th, but he will now start both races from 27th—the back of the grid.
The incident occurred at Turn 2. León was on a second consecutive push lap, a strategy that, while less common, remains completely valid. Ho, on a cool-down lap, was slow on the racing line and failed to yield. Ho admitted that he mistakenly believed León was also on a similar strategy.
The Stewards examined the evidence and determined that Ho’s actions breached Article 31.6 of the Sporting Regulations. Subsequently, they imposed the standard impeding penalty.
Zagazeta escapes with a warning after unsafe release
While the on-track action drew much of the spotlight, pit lane incidents also attracted scrutiny. DAMS Lucas Oil’s Matías Zagazeta received a warning after an unsafe release during the early stages of Qualifying.
The Peruvian exited his pit box late and almost collided with AIX Racing’s James Hedley. Despite the proximity, Zagazeta avoided immediate danger by hesitating before merging into the fast lane, eventually pulling alongside Hedley before safely tucking in. The Stewards acknowledged the team’s explanation regarding known clutch issues, which contributed to the delay in departure.
Although the release technically breached Article 12.2.1.i of the FIA International Sporting Code and Event Notes item 6.3, the Stewards deemed that no sporting advantage was gained and no harm was caused. Therefore, they issued a formal warning to the team rather than a sporting penalty.
Lacorte cleared over tyre irregularity
Lastly, DAMS Lucas Oil’s Nicola Lacorte was summoned for leaving the support paddock with a wet weather tyre fitted in place of the designated transfer tyre. This violated Event Notes item 3.1. Nevertheless, the team explained that the original installation tyre had a puncture and they had unsuccessfully attempted to contact the Technical Delegate before fitting a fresh rain tyre.
Importantly, the team returned the rain tyre to Pirelli and requested a replacement, eliminating any chance of gaining a performance advantage. As a result, the Stewards elected to take no further action and commended the team for restoring fairness.
