During the Q1 of the Spa F1 qualifying, Hamilton was seen veering off track through the wet Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex, on the driver’s left. He then re-entered the track just ahead of his team-mate, George Russell. This incident occurred while both Mercedes drivers were on their out-laps.
Russell was forced to swerve to avoid a collision, while Valtteri Bottas, driving the Alfa Romeo behind them, was also affected.
The stewards were notified of the incident and launched an investigation post-qualifying session, in which both Hamilton and Russell were called in.
Hamilton’s defence was that he was merely trying to avoid Bottas, who had just commenced a fast lap.
Russell, too, clarified his intent to prevent Bottas from being obstructed and expressed his belief that Hamilton’s re-entry onto the track at Raidillon was not dangerous.
The stewards concurred with their explanations and chose to not enforce any further penalties.
The stewards’ verdict detailed that Hamilton had received warning about Bottas’s approach and had therefore moved aside, in this case, off the track. Russell also received the same warning, but he moved aside later.
Russell further explained that since he was on the same plan as Hamilton, he was fully aware of Hamilton’s actions and was confident that the manoeuvre was not dangerous. The stewards concurred and decided against further action.
Meanwhile, Williams driver Alex Albon was investigated for unsafe re-entry. During Q1, Albon had gone off the road in the second sector and then returned to the track directly in front of Pierre Gasly’s Alpine.
Despite conceding that Albon would inevitably return to the ideal line, the stewards reprimanded Albon, noting that he could have been more cautious.
Kevin Magnussen, a Haas driver, received a three-place grid penalty for blocking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. After hitting the wall exiting Speaker’s Corner, Magnussen remained on the racing line for the following corners, causing significant hindrance to Leclerc, who vehemently demanded a penalty over the team radio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spa F1 Stewards’ Decision
What incident took place during the Spa F1 qualifying involving Hamilton and Russell?
During the Q1 of the Spa F1 qualifying, Hamilton moved off the track through the wet Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex and then rejoined the track directly in front of his teammate, George Russell. This led to Russell having to take avoiding action, and Bottas in the Alfa Romeo behind them also being affected.
What were Hamilton and Russell’s defenses?
Hamilton argued that he was trying to avoid Bottas, who had just started a fast lap. Russell also said he wanted to prevent Bottas from being obstructed and felt that Hamilton’s re-entry onto the track at Raidillon was not dangerous.
What was the stewards’ decision on the Hamilton-Russell incident?
The stewards agreed with the explanations given by Hamilton and Russell and decided to take no further action on the incident.
Was there any other driver penalized during the qualifying session?
Yes, Alex Albon was reprimanded for an unsafe re-entry onto the track in front of Pierre Gasly’s Alpine. Kevin Magnussen received a three-place grid penalty for blocking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
More about Spa F1 Stewards’ Decision
- F1 Official Website
- Mercedes F1 Team News
- Williams F1 Team News
- Alfa Romeo Racing News
- Haas F1 Team News
- Ferrari F1 Team News
5 comments
Albon really needs to be more careful, glad Gasly’s okay! The stewards were right to reprimand him.
I think Russell did the right thing, avoiding the accident was his main goal. Bottas got stuck tho, tuff break.
Seriously, Magnussen! He needs to be more careful and not block the track like that. Leclerc was right to be upset.
Wow, Hamilton’s lucky again, got off without a penalty. The stewards seem to have a soft spot for him, lol!
What a dramatic qualifying! Hamilton and Russell dealt with the situation well. Now, let’s wait for the main race. fingers crossed!