Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, is under FIA scrutiny following an impeding incident with Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the second free practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix. The clash occurred near Turn 4, where Antonelli had to take evasive action due to Hamilton’s slow pace on track.
Hamilton, alongside a Ferrari team representative, has been summoned to meet with the stewards at 18:20 local time for an official hearing regarding the incident. Antonelli’s frustration was audible over team communications shortly after the event.
Drivers’ Reactions and On-Track Dynamics During the Incident
During the situation, Antonelli’s radio message reflected his irritation:
Mate, what is going on with these people? Honestly.
—Andrea Kimi Antonelli
In response, Hamilton acknowledged the situation by raising his hand in apology but explained via team radio that he had no awareness of Antonelli approaching from behind, stating:
I couldn’t see Antonelli at all, so…
—Lewis Hamilton
The incident came soon after Hamilton voiced his dissatisfaction with his performance during the initial free practice session, telling his race engineer Riccardo Adami:
For some reason I’ve just got no pace, mate.
—Lewis Hamilton
Session Results and Performance Overview for Hamilton and Antonelli
Hamilton ended FP2 in 10th position, just ahead of Antonelli, who was 11th, and nearly a full second slower than Lando Norris in the leading McLaren. This gap highlighted Hamilton’s struggles in pace during the Austrian track sessions.
The investigation by the FIA is likely to examine the severity of the impeding action and its impact on Antonelli’s performance during the free practice.
Implications of the Investigation and What to Expect Next
This inquiry adds pressure on Hamilton and Ferrari as the team adjusts to the current season’s challenges. Any penalty or reprimand could affect Hamilton’s starting position or team strategy during the Grand Prix weekend. The results of the investigation and subsequent decisions will be closely monitored by fans and competitors alike.