Lewis Hamilton has thankfully avoided a grid penalty at Sepang after the FIA completed its investigation into an FP2 impeding incident involving Gabriel Bortoleto. The Ferrari driver was summoned by the stewards after forcing the Audi driver to take avoiding action during a flying lap, but the case ultimately resulted only in a warning.
The decision removes the prospect of a more significant setback for Lewis Hamilton ahead of the remainder of the weekend in Malaysia. It came after another impeding episode involving Liam Lawson in Baku, making the Sepang investigation particularly important as the seven-time world champion waited to discover whether the stewards would impose a sporting penalty.
Lewis Hamilton avoids Sepang grid penalty after Turn 9 incident
The FP2 incident occurred close to Turn 9 while Lewis Hamilton was travelling on a non-flying lap. He did not see Gabriel Bortoleto approaching rapidly from behind and moved across in a way that pushed the Audi driver towards the right-hand side of the circuit.
Gabriel Bortoleto was forced to alter his line abruptly to prevent contact between the two cars. The moment immediately attracted the attention of race control and resulted in Lewis Hamilton being summoned by the FIA stewards after the session.
Both drivers were subsequently called to provide their explanations. After considering their accounts and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, the stewards decided that a grid penalty was not necessary and instead issued Lewis Hamilton with a warning.
Mirror visibility considered by Sepang stewards
A significant element in the investigation concerned Lewis Hamilton’s ability to see traffic approaching from behind. The Ferrari driver explained that rearward visibility had been limited and raised a possible issue with his mirrors as part of the explanation for why he failed to notice Gabriel Bortoleto soon enough.
The visibility problem was among the factors considered before the stewards reached their final decision. While the outcome means Lewis Hamilton keeps his grid position free from any penalty related to the incident, the warning adds to his disciplinary tally for the season.
It is his third warning of the campaign from the five available, following mistakes across two consecutive race weekends. That leaves the Ferrari driver with less margin for further incidents as the remaining rounds unfold.
The ruling therefore brings an important degree of clarity before the competitive sessions at Sepang. Lewis Hamilton can now turn his attention back to Ferrari’s preparations without the threat of a grid drop hanging over him, although the latest warning means avoiding further steward intervention will become increasingly important. More developments involving the seven-time world champion can be followed in the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari news archive.
