The FIA is revisiting the penalty handed to Lewis Hamilton after his F1 Qatar GP crash for crossing a live track.
In a surprising move, the FIA has alerted about revisiting and reviewing the penalty that they handed Mercedes’ Hamilton post the F1 Qatar GP. The Brit was cleared of his collision against teammate George Russell, but was reprimanded in another investigation.
He had crossed from the Turn 1 gravel to get towards the pitlane on a live track. The world feed captured him on the pitlane side just as Russell passed him which was potentially dangerous. The FIA appreciated the apology but still reprimanded him.
Additionally, Hamilton was handed a hefty fine of €50,000 where €25,000 was suspended on the grounds that there is no repeat. Exactly a week later of the incident and subsequent penalty, the FIA has alerted about revisiting the said decision.
They feel Hamilton seemingly got away lightly considering his role model status and if such incidents require larger sanction. “The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix,” a small statement from the governing body noted about the case.
“The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent Stewards hearing in to the incident and acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach. However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers.”
The governing body has been busy post Qatar GP as they also investigated Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll for his behaviour and left him off with a warning. They are already analysing what can they do for races with such heat where the drivers struggle to finish the races.
Here’s Mercedes on 2016 experiences
Here’s Mercedes trio on the Qatar GP incident
Here’s what was said in his penalty
Here’s FIA verdict on Lance Stroll
Here’s FIA and drivers on extreme heat in Qatar GP
Here’s latest from Felipe Massa on 2008 case
Here’s link to a F1 Discord channel, join in to interact
