JUST IN: FIA announce Hamilton verdict as MAJOR absence confirmed at …Read more
F1 News Today: FIA announce Hamilton verdict as MAJOR absence confirmed at Abu Dhabi
Hamilton has been cleared by the FIA following an investigation into an incident with Lando Norris during the first practice session (FP1) of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The investigation was prompted after Hamilton was accused of impeding Norris at Turn 16, forcing the McLaren driver to take evasive action. Despite this, the FIA confirmed that Hamilton would face no further action.
The incident occurred when Hamilton, driving his Mercedes W15, was slow on the left side of the track while approaching Turn 16. At the same time, another car was entering the pit lane, taking up the right side of the track. Norris, who was approaching at high speed, was affected by Hamilton’s position on the racing line as the latter was preparing for a flying lap. However, the stewards noted that there was space for Norris to pass on the inside of Hamilton, but he chose not to do so, unsure if Hamilton would close the gap to begin his lap. The stewards concluded that the incident was a misunderstanding between the two drivers and did not meet the threshold for being deemed unnecessary impeding during free practice.
The verdict comes as Hamilton is preparing for his final race with Mercedes at the Yas Marina Circuit this weekend. He is set to join Ferrari in 2025 in a bid to claim a historic eighth world title. The 2024 season has been a challenging one for Hamilton, who is currently seventh in the drivers’ standings, behind his teammate George Russell, who has outqualified him in 18 of the 23 events this season. Although Hamilton has secured two victories this year, the British driver hopes to end his tenure with Mercedes on a high note at the Abu Dhabi GP.
In other news, the Abu Dhabi GP will be missing a notable presence as Sky F1 presenter, Simon Lazenby, confirmed he will be absent due to health reasons. Despite this, the excitement for the race remains, with Hamilton looking to deliver a strong performance as he bids farewell to Mercedes and sets his sights on the future with Ferrari.
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