Shock Twist: Lewis Hamilton Under FIA Investigation After…read more
Lewis Hamilton is under investigation by the FIA following an alleged incident during the second practice session (FP2) of the Austrian Grand Prix. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion reportedly impeded young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli during a hot lap at the Red Bull Ring.
The moment occurred as Hamilton was moving slowly on the racing line heading into Turn 4, seemingly unaware of Antonelli approaching at high speed. The incident left the Mercedes junior driver frustrated, prompting him to express his irritation over the team radio: “Mate, what is going on with these people, honestly?” he remarked in disbelief.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Hamilton was quick to apologize. The British driver raised his hand in a gesture of apology to Antonelli on track and later explained the situation via team radio. He admitted to having difficulty spotting the teenager due to the elevation change at that specific corner: “Man, I couldn’t see Antonelli at all,” Hamilton said, noting that the dip at Turn 4 obstructed his view.
Despite the informal nature of the incident occurring during a practice session, the FIA confirmed that the 40-year-old Ferrari-bound driver would be investigated by race stewards. An official statement from the governing body indicated that Hamilton was summoned to the stewards’ room following the conclusion of FP2 to provide his side of the story.
While impeding incidents during qualifying often carry the risk of grid penalties or other significant repercussions, the same severity is not typically applied to practice sessions unless clear negligence is evident. Therefore, Hamilton is not expected to face a harsh penalty for the mishap. However, the investigation will review whether his actions constituted a breach of track etiquette or safety protocols.
The incident highlights the importance of spatial awareness on track, especially as younger talents like Antonelli, who is gaining valuable experience, share the circuit with seasoned veterans. While such misjudgments are not uncommon during practice, especially on a track with challenging elevation changes like Spielberg, the FIA remains committed to enforcing consistency and safety standards throughout every session of a Grand Prix weekend.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to be announced before the next on-track session. For now, Hamilton’s gesture of apology and explanation might serve to ease tensions, but all eyes will be on the stewards’ decision as the Austrian Grand Prix weekend continues.
