What specific safety rule did Lewis Hamilton violate?

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Lewis Hamilton Violated Rule Requiring Drivers to Remain Properly Restrained in Their Seat Belts

Lewis Hamilton was fined €5,000, with an additional €20,000 suspended, for violating a Formula One sporting code rule that mandates drivers remain properly restrained by their safety belts at all times when a car is in motion on a circuit. The infringement occurred when Hamilton released his seat belt after winning the race to collect a Brazilian flag and celebrate with the crowd.
Breach of Safety Belt Regulations

The stewards summoned a Mercedes team representative to address an alleged breach of the sporting code by Lewis Hamilton. This specific rule, outlined in the code, states that drivers "must be properly restrained in their seat by safety belts... at all times during a competition when it is mobile on a circuit, pit lane, special stage or competition course." Hamilton's actions directly contravened this requirement.
Unsafe Practice During Celebration

The stewards' decision highlighted that undoing seatbelts while a car is in motion is fundamentally unsafe, even at slow speeds. They noted that speeds considered slow in Formula One cars are still exceptionally fast for an occupant who is not secured by safety restraints. This emphasizes the inherent risks associated with such actions.
Setting an Example for Junior Categories

Beyond the immediate safety concerns for the driver, the stewards also pointed to the broader implications of Hamilton's actions. They stressed that Formula One drivers serve as role models for those in junior racing categories. It is crucial for these junior drivers to learn and adhere to the importance of using all safety devices in the car consistently.

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What specific safety rule did Lewis Hamilton violate?

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