Untelevised Verstappen, Hamilton moment sparked FIA investigation
An FIA investigation has been launched following a moment between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton visited the FIA’s stewards after an alleged incident at Turn 15 during Friday’s first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.
The moment was not broadcast by Formula One Management on the global feed.
FIA investigation into Max Verstappen/Lewis Hamilton incident
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However, onboard footage from Verstappen’s RB22 shows Verstappen was on a flying lap during Friday’s opening practice session at the Suzuka circuit and came up behind Hamilton in the Ferrari.
The Briton was not only on a slow lap, but he was also in the middle of the track.
It meant Verstappen had to dive to the left of Hamilton, giving the Ferrari driver an angry gesture as he did so.
Verstappen was on the radio to Red Bull: “What the f**k!”
The incident, which took place at Turn 15, was noted by Race Control for the stewards to follow up on.
The FIA confirmed that it would investigate an “alleged breach of Article B1.8.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations – Incident between Cars 44 and 3 at 12:27.”
After speaking with both drivers, the stewards ruled that no further action was required.
“Having reviewed video and team radio, the Stewards find that the Driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), who had been given no warning from the team of the approach of Car 3 (Max Vserstappen), was travelling in the middle of the track between Turn 1 and Turn 15,” read the verdict.
“As Car 3 closed on Car 44, Car 44 made an initial movement suggesting a move to the left, but ultimately remained to the right-hand side of the track.
“Car 3 approached with a significant speed differential but was able to pass Car 44 without being required to brake, lift, or deviate from its intended racing line.
“In this case, the Stewards are satisfied that, although Car 3 was momentarily influenced by the positioning of Car 44, it was not forced to take evasive action. The Stewards also took into account that, through his team representative, the Driver of Car 3 said that the situation was not considered dangerous from his perspective.
“Consistent with the position taken with respect to incidents of this type in free practice sessions where an alleged impeding is not considered dangerous or potentially so, the Stewards determined to take no further action.
“However, the team is reminded to ensure that timely warnings are given to its drivers of the approach of other cars.”
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