Just in:Hamilton, Verstappen and 15 other F1 drivers under INVESTIGATION at…..read more
Hamilton, Verstappen and 15 other F1 drivers under INVESTIGATION at…..read more
Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and 15 other Formula 1 drivers are currently under investigation by the FIA following an incident during sprint qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix. This investigation has drawn significant attention, particularly given the involvement of some of the sport’s biggest names, including Hamilton and Verstappen. The drivers are being scrutinized for potential breaches of the maximum delta time rule, which ensures that drivers maintain a consistent pace during qualifying sessions.
The maximum delta time rule is in place to promote fairness and safety during the sprint format, which features shortened qualifying sessions. This regulation prevents drivers from intentionally slowing down excessively between two timing sectors to disrupt the flow of the session, ensuring that no one gains an unfair advantage. Any violation of this rule can result in penalties, including grid drops or time penalties, depending on the severity of the infraction. The FIA stewards will review data from the session, including sector times, to determine if the drivers violated the delta time limits.
A total of 17 drivers are under investigation, with some of the biggest names in Formula 1 involved. In addition to Hamilton and Verstappen, the investigation includes both Red Bull drivers, Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, along with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, are also among the drivers being examined. Other notable drivers under scrutiny include George Russell (Mercedes), Kevin Magnussen (Haas), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), and Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo). Additionally, Alex Albon (Williams), Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri), Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri), Franco Colapinto (Alfa Romeo), and Zhou
Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) are also under investigation.
Although Verstappen has already clinched the drivers’ championship following his win at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the race for the constructors’ championship is still very much alive. McLaren currently leads the constructors’ standings, just 24 points ahead of Ferrari. Red Bull, despite Verstappen’s dominant individual performance, is in third place, trailing McLaren by 53 points. With only two races remaining, every point in the constructors’ battle is crucial, and any penalties or changes to the grid could have a significant impact on the teams involved.
The timing of this investigation is particularly critical for teams like McLaren and Ferrari. McLaren is chasing its first constructors’ title since 1998, while Ferrari is eager to close the gap. The outcome of the investigation could influence the standings and impact the teams’ strategies moving forward. Even though Red Bull has secured the drivers’ championship with Verstappen, their performance in the constructors’ battle is far from certain. Any penalties for Verstappen or Perez could affect Red Bull’s position in the standings and their ability to catch McLaren.
The investigation has raised questions about whether the breaches were isolated incidents or if there was a systemic issue during the sprint qualifying session. The FIA stewards will be analyzing the sector times of all the drivers involved to determine whether any of them intentionally violated the delta time rule. If a breach is found, the FIA could impose penalties, such as grid drops, time penalties, or other disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the offense.
The importance of this investigation cannot be overstated, as it could have significant ramifications for both the Qatar Grand Prix results and the overall championship standings. With so many drivers and teams involved, the FIA’s findings will be closely watched by fans, teams, and officials alike. The potential for penalties to affect grid positions, and possibly the outcome of the race, adds an extra layer of drama to an already intense season.
The FIA’s investigation serves as a reminder of the strict regulations governing Formula 1 and the importance of maintaining fairness on track. With the championship still hanging in the balance, the outcome of this investigation will be pivotal in determining the final results of the Qatar Grand Prix and the broader championship fight. Fans and teams alike will be eagerly awaiting the stewards’ decision and any penalties that may follow, which could reshape the final stages of the season.
About The Author
