Lewis Hamilton has been summoned to the stewards following Azerbaijan Grand Prix FP2 after a high-speed incident involving Liam Lawson in Baku. The Ferrari driver is being investigated for potentially impeding Lawson, who was forced to avoid the SF-26 as the pair approached one of the fastest sections of the Baku City Circuit.
No penalty has been confirmed at this stage, but the stewards will examine the incident before deciding whether Hamilton committed an offence. That leaves Ferrari waiting for an important ruling as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend moves towards FP3 and qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton faces Baku stewards after Lawson near-miss
The incident occurred during Thursday’s second practice session on the fast approach towards Baku’s main straight. Lawson, driving for Red Bull Racing, was closing rapidly on Hamilton’s Ferrari when the seven-time world champion apparently failed to recognise his approach early enough.
Lawson suddenly found himself extremely close to the SF-26 but managed to avoid contact. He immediately reacted over team radio, describing the situation in emphatic terms as extremely dangerous after clearing the Ferrari.
The moment carried additional significance because of the speeds involved at the Baku City Circuit. Formula 1 cars exceed 300 km/h along the venue’s long straight, leaving drivers with little margin when a faster car catches another at an unexpected point on the circuit.
The incident came during a session in which Lewis Hamilton finished fifth as Ferrari struggled on Baku’s long straights, while Charles Leclerc placed fourth. Hamilton’s latest Ferrari developments and race-weekend updates can also be followed through the Lewis Hamilton news archive.
Possible impeding penalty under investigation
Following FP2, it was confirmed that Hamilton would have to report to the stewards and explain what happened. The officials are expected to review the available footage, radio communications and other relevant data before determining whether the British driver should be penalised for impeding Lawson.
The investigation remains open, meaning there is currently no confirmed sporting penalty against Hamilton. The key question for the stewards will be whether the circumstances of the near-miss amount to an infringement serious enough to require further action.
For Ferrari, the timing of the investigation adds another element of uncertainty to a demanding weekend in Azerbaijan. Any sanction could influence Hamilton’s preparations or competitive position as attention turns away from Friday practice work and towards the decisive sessions.
Ferrari awaits decision before Azerbaijan GP qualifying
Hamilton is now required to present his account of the incident before the stewards reach their verdict. Until that process is complete, Ferrari will not know whether the FP2 episode will have any direct consequences for the remainder of his Baku weekend.
FP3 and qualifying are next on the programme, making the timing of the decision particularly relevant for the seven-time world champion. The full session timetable is available in the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule.
For now, Hamilton remains under investigation rather than penalised, with the stewards’ ruling set to determine whether the high-speed encounter with Lawson develops into a sporting consequence or ends with no further action.
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