Alex Albon has been handed a 5-second time penalty for causing a collision with Lewis Hamilton during the 2025 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The incident occurred when Hamilton ran slightly wide at Turn 12, leaving the door open for Albon to attack with DRS.
## What happened?
Albon clipped the rear of Hamilton's Ferrari, damaging his front wing and sending debris scattering across the circuit.
The stewards determined that Albon was predominantly at fault for the contact.
He was forced into the pits for a new front wing, eventually retiring from the race.
## Why it matters for Alex Albon
The penalty adds to Williams' challenges in a weekend already full of setbacks across the paddock.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has seen multiple incidents, including spinning cars and safety interventions.
## What comes next?
Hamilton will look to salvage what he can, but the stewards' decision for Albon has shifted the points battle once again under the bright Vegas lights.
As the final laps unfold, the Virtual Safety Car remained deployed as debris scattered across the track.
Hamilton quickly noticed the hazard and alerted his team, saying, “That’s a very dangerous piece [of debris] there,” over the radio.
Gabriel Bortoleto also clashed with Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly earlier in the race, making the Albon–Hamilton clash one of several incidents that added to the stewards’ workload.
The 2025 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix took place on November 23, 2025, with 5-second time penalty being the outcome for Albon.
Hamilton reported brake issues over team radio shortly after the incident, though he was able to continue.
The Ferrari driver expressed his concerns, saying, “I'm struggling with my brakes! I've got glazing or what?”
The penalty has significant implications for the points battle, with Albon's retirement from the race adding to the drama.
The Williams driver's attempt to take advantage of Hamilton's mistake ultimately led to his downfall.
The incident has sparked discussion about the challenges of racing on a damp and unpredictable surface.
The stewards' decision has been confirmed, with Albon's penalty standing as a result of his actions.