FIA announce Lewis Hamilton investigation due to D…read more
Lewis Hamilton is currently under investigation by the FIA race stewards following a potential incident that occurred during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. The matter being scrutinized took place during the second free practice session (FP2) on Friday at the Red Bull Ring, where Hamilton was allegedly involved in an impeding incident with young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli.
According to reports from the paddock, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion may have unintentionally obstructed Antonelli during a hot lap. The situation unfolded at turn four, where Hamilton was seen moving slowly on the racing line. Antonelli, who was on a flying lap, appeared to be caught off guard by Hamilton’s positioning on the track, prompting stewards to launch an inquiry into the matter.
Impedance during practice sessions is treated seriously in Formula 1, especially when it affects another driver’s ability to complete a timed lap. The FIA regulations mandate that all drivers must be aware of their surroundings and avoid hindering others, regardless of whether they are on an in-lap, out-lap, or cooldown lap. In this case, Hamilton’s seemingly casual approach to entering the racing line during an active hot lap from Antonelli could be viewed as a breach of those rules.
Although the incident may not have been deliberate, stewards are tasked with maintaining fairness and safety on track and are expected to review all available data, including onboard footage and telemetry, before making a ruling. If found guilty of impeding, Hamilton could face a range of penalties, from a reprimand to a grid drop for Sunday’s race, depending on the severity of the infraction.
The timing of the investigation is notable, as Hamilton has already been in the spotlight this weekend amid comments about his current team’s performance. Headlines have suggested he is becoming increasingly frustrated, with some media outlets claiming he feels his team isn’t doing enough to protect or support him. This latest incident only adds to the tension surrounding the British driver, who is in the midst of a challenging season.
As of now, no official decision has been released by the FIA, but an update is expected before qualifying. The motorsport community is watching closely, particularly given the involvement of Kimi Antonelli, a promising young talent who is already generating significant attention as a future star in Formula 1.
