BREAKING: FIA Launches Investigation Against Lewis Hamilton After…Read more
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was formally put under FIA steward observation during the second practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring for reportedly blocking rookie Kimi Antonelli on a hot lap .
The incident occurred when Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, appeared to cut onto the racing line at Turn 4 on a slow lap, and Antonelli was compelled to take avoiding action to avoid contact . Sound of team radio captured Antonelli sounding confused: “Mate, what is going on with these people, honestly.” Hamilton apologized immediately for the mistake and waved apologetically as he passed .
After the close of Friday’s session, Hamilton, Antonelli, and team officials were summoned to the stewards’ room. The FIA reviewed in‑car footage and onboard recordings, and pored over evidence against Article 37.5 of the FIA Sporting Regulations on unnecessary impeding .
During the evening on Friday, stewards concluded that Hamilton had in fact impeded Antonelli “unnecessarily,” but did not issue a penalty beyond an official warning—a routine treatment for practice-session infractions. The FIA announcement stated that while Hamilton was being warned of the approaching car and was also looking in the mirrors, he was still transitioning onto the racing line in a manner that was deemed avoidable. His immediate apology was taken into consideration and a warning was considered instead of a harsher punishment .
In practice contexts
, the warning has no effect on Friday’s long‑run testing or Saturday’s grid. But so far as practice sessions are acclimatization and preparation exercises, the accident serves as a reminder that even champions of the most extensive experience must remain fully alert at all times.
Hamilton accepted that errors are inherent in racing, highlighting how drivers—new or seasoned—are continually learning from each session. The stewards’ strong but balanced ruling highlights the FIA’s top concern: safety and impartiality, even in non-competitive times.
