The FIA stewards have ruled that no further action will be taken against Lewis Hamilton following a potential impeding incident involving Max Verstappen during first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver was called before race officials after the session to explain his actions during a high-speed sequence between the Spoon curve and 130R corner at Suzuka.
According to the official stewarding decision, Hamilton was traveling in the middle of the track when Verstappen approached at significantly higher speed in his Red Bull. While Hamilton initially appeared to move left before settling on the right side of the circuit, the stewards determined that Verstappen was able to complete his pass without needing to brake, lift off the throttle, or alter his racing line.
The ruling was influenced by Verstappen’s own assessment of the situation, communicated through his team representative, stating that he did not consider Hamilton’s positioning to be dangerous. The stewards noted that although Verstappen was “momentarily influenced” by Hamilton’s car placement, no evasive action was required to avoid contact.
In their official statement, the FIA emphasized their consistent approach to free practice incidents where alleged impeding is deemed neither dangerous nor potentially hazardous. However, they issued a reminder to Ferrari about providing timely warnings to drivers regarding approaching vehicles during practice sessions.
The decision clears Hamilton of any penalty ahead of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place on March 29 before Formula 1 enters an extended break in April following the cancellation of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds due to ongoing Middle East conflicts.