Lewis Hamilton failed to complete the first lap of a Formula 1 race at the Qatar GP. This happened for just the 6th time in his career. He collided with his teammate George Russell and was out in the first corner itself. However, after the collision, he crossed a live track. The FIA consider this as an extremely dangerous action, and rightly so. They gave him a fine and a reprimand. However, after a week, they have reopened investigations into the incident. Here’s why.
Qatar GP Incident More Serious
The FIA feel that Lewis Hamilton’s actions at the Qatar GP are more serious than they initially thought. They feel this incident will have a very harmful impact on the minds of young drivers. These young drivers dream of racing in Formula 1.
An FIA spokesman said: “The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix.
“The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent stewards hearing into the incident and acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach.
“However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers.”
Only a Reprimand and a Fine initially
Keeping the incident with George Russell aside, Lewis Hamilton got fined and reprimanded for his actions at the Qatar GP. The stewards noted his apology.
In the hearing that took place initially, the stewards had a different view of Lewis Hamilton. “During the hearing, the driver of Car 44 was very apologetic and realized that the situation could have been very dangerous for him as well as the drivers approaching.”
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“The Stewards reinforced the fact that crossing a live track can cause extremely dangerous situations and the drivers have to be very cautious about it.”
Lewis Hamilton is an ambassador for Formula 1 and he will always be judged more harshly. However, reopening the investigation without any appeal is unprecedented even for the FIA.
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