FIA Issues Warning to Lewis Hamilton After Practice Incident with Antonelli at Austrian GP
The FIA has wrapped up its investigation into a tense moment between Lewis Hamilton and rookie Kimi Antonelli during Friday’s free practice at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix. The incident, which sparked considerable buzz in the paddock, has resulted in only a formal warning for Hamilton, who narrowly avoided a more severe penalty.
The Formula 1 circus returned to Spielberg for Round 11 of the 2025 season at the Red Bull Ring. Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, had a difficult start to his weekend. In Free Practice 1 (FP1), the seven-time world champion was hampered by gearbox problems and could only post the ninth-fastest time. But things became even more complicated during FP2, where he found himself at the center of an on-track controversy.
While Hamilton was cruising on a slow lap, he inadvertently veered onto the racing line just as Mercedes’ young talent, Kimi Antonelli, was storming through Turn 4 on a flying lap. The 18-year-old Italian, who took over Hamilton’s old seat at Mercedes, had to quickly steer clear to avoid a high-speed collision. The incident was tense enough to prompt an outburst from Antonelli on team radio, where he voiced clear irritation over Hamilton’s positioning.
Hamilton quickly acknowledged his mistake, waving apologetically to Antonelli on track and later telling his Ferrari team over the radio that he hadn’t seen the Mercedes driver approaching. Following the session, race stewards summoned Hamilton to investigate a possible breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Sporting Regulations, which addresses the issue of impeding other drivers during sessions.
The FIA’s inquiry included a detailed analysis of in-car camera footage, telemetry data, and team communications. Both Hamilton and Antonelli, along with their team representatives, were interviewed. According to the FIA’s official findings, Hamilton had been checking his mirrors and was aware that Antonelli was closing in but still moved toward the racing line, unintentionally forcing the rookie to take evasive action.
While the stewards acknowledged that impeding incidents during practice sessions are usually treated with leniency, they emphasized that safety must remain a priority. They concluded that Hamilton’s move, though unintentional and promptly followed by an apology, was avoidable. Despite this, they opted not to impose a fine or grid penalty, instead issuing Hamilton a formal warning.
The outcome provides some relief to the 40-year-old Brit, who has been struggling to find his footing since joining Ferrari. His 2025 campaign has been riddled with underwhelming performances and technical setbacks. In stark contrast, Antonelli has made an impressive start to his rookie season with Mercedes, heightening the intrigue around this on-track altercation.
The warning brings the matter to a close, but it further adds to Hamilton’s growing list of disappointments in what has so far been a frustrating season. With the Austrian Grand Prix race day still ahead, attention now shifts to Ferrari’s efforts to turn their fortunes around and Hamilton’s bid to deliver a much-needed strong performance at the Red Bull Ring.
