FIA announce Hamilton and Verstappen PENALTY verdict...

FIA announce Hamilton and Verstappen PENALTY verdict….read more.

The FIA has announced its verdict regarding the penalties for Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and 15 other drivers following their investigation during the Qatar Grand Prix. These drivers were scrutinized for not meeting the established minimum lap time of 1:40.0, a rule designed to prevent the field from clustering together during sessions.

The list of drivers under investigation included notable names such as Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, George Russell, Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri Bottas, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, and Zhou Guanyu, all of whom were part of the inquiry alongside the two world champions.

After careful consideration, the FIA has concluded that no penalties would be imposed on these drivers. The stewards assessed the situation and found that the drivers acted appropriately in their maneuvers on the track. According to the official statement released by the FIA, the stewards noted that the drivers took necessary measures to avoid obstructing their competitors. When required, they significantly reduced their speed to allow other drivers to pass, ensuring those competitors had a clear track ahead.

The stewards determined that the actions of the drivers were in line with the regulations and that their slower lap times were not the result of deliberate slow driving but rather a reflection of their efforts to maintain fair competition on the circuit. The FIA emphasized that the drivers did not engage in “unnecessarily slowly” driving, which is a key consideration under the rules.

This decision comes as a relief to the involved drivers, particularly Hamilton and Verstappen, who are both prominent figures in the sport and have significant fan followings. The outcome highlights the importance of the FIA’s oversight in maintaining competitive integrity while also acknowledging the drivers’ commitment to sportsmanship.

With this ruling, the FIA has underscored its role in ensuring that the rules are applied fairly and that drivers are held accountable for their actions without imposing undue penalties for laps that were affected by their attempts to comply with safety and fairness on the track.

In summary, the FIA’s investigation concluded with a clear message: the drivers were adhering to the spirit of the regulations by ensuring that they did not impede others while racing. As a result, no further action will be taken against Hamilton, Verstappen, and the other drivers involved, allowing them to continue their pursuit of excellence in the remainder of the season without the shadow of penalties hanging over them.