FIA announce Hamilton and Norris penalty VERDICT at.....

FIA announce Hamilton and Norris penalty VERDICT at…read more.

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has seen its fair share of drama, but it was an incident involving Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris during Friday’s FP1 session that caught the attention of the FIA. As Hamilton embarks on his final race weekend with Mercedes before his 2025 switch to Ferrari, he was called in for an investigation following a clash with Norris on track.

Hamilton, who is fighting to end his tumultuous season on a high, found himself under scrutiny after an alleged incident of impeding Norris during FP1. The 2024 season has been a challenging one for the seven-time world champion, with Hamilton currently languishing in seventh place in the drivers’ championship, trailing his teammate George Russell, who has outqualified him in the majority of races. Despite these setbacks, Hamilton secured two victories this season, offering some solace as he aims to make the most of his final Grand Prix with Mercedes at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The incident occurred as Hamilton was preparing for a flying lap and positioned his W15 car on the racing line at Turn 16. At the same time, Norris was closing in quickly on him. Hamilton, who had been driving slowly on the left side of the track, was preparing for his next lap, but with another car entering the pit lane, the right side of the track was occupied. This situation forced Norris to take evasive action as he approached the corner at high speed.

The FIA launched an investigation into whether Hamilton’s position on track impeded Norris’ progress, with the latter having to adjust his line in response. The stewards reviewed video footage, team radio communications, and in-car video evidence from both drivers before convening with representatives from their respective teams. The investigation ultimately focused on whether Hamilton’s placement on track constituted a breach of the rules regarding unnecessary impeding during a free practice session.

Following their review, the stewards concluded that while the incident was a result of a misunderstanding between the two drivers, it did not meet the threshold for unnecessary impeding. The FIA stated in an official document that Norris, in this case, had the option to pass Hamilton on the inside line, but chose not to do so. The stewards acknowledged that Norris was unsure whether Hamilton would begin a flying lap, which led him to hesitate in moving to the inside line.

The FIA confirmed that there would be no further action taken against either driver. The stewards stated that the incident was deemed to be a racing misunderstanding rather than a deliberate attempt to impede, and as such, Hamilton would not face any penalty for the situation. The decision came as a relief for Hamilton, who is hoping to finish his Mercedes tenure on a positive note, despite the struggles of the 2024 season.

The investigation into the incident serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in Formula 1, where even minor on-track clashes can attract the attention of the governing body. For Hamilton, the focus now shifts back to his final race with Mercedes and his preparations for a move to Ferrari, where he hopes to challenge for an elusive eighth World Championship. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is likely to be a significant moment in his career, as he bids farewell to the team with which he has enjoyed so much success.

In summary, the FIA investigation into the Hamilton-Norris incident at the Abu Dhabi GP concluded that no further action would be taken, as the incident was deemed a misunderstanding between the two drivers. While Hamilton had been accused of impeding Norris, the stewards ruled that the situation did not meet the threshold for a penalty. As Hamilton prepares for his final race with Mercedes, this episode is just one of many challenges that have marked an eventful 2024 season.