Suzuka investigation: FIA reaches a verdict on the Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen FP1 clash. After FP1 at Suzuka, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were investigated for an incident at Turn 15.

FIA clears Verstappen and Hamilton after Suzuka FP1 investigation

At the end of FP1 in Suzuka, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were called to the race director’s office to discuss an incident that occurred at Turn 15 of the Japanese circuit.

After hearing the drivers, speaking with the respective team representatives, and reviewing video footage, radio communications, and onboard recordings, the stewards reached a conclusion.

Following a thorough review of the footage and radio communications, the stewards determined that car number 44, driven by Lewis Hamilton, had not received any warning from his team about the approach of car number 3, driven by Max Verstappen. Although car number 3 was temporarily influenced by the position of car number 44, it was not forced to take any evasive action.

Consistent with the position taken regarding incidents of this type during free practice sessions—where a potential obstacle is not considered dangerous or potentially hazardous—the stewards decided not to take any further action.

The incident was therefore categorized as a minor breakdown in team-to-driver communication rather than a sporting infraction. Based on the content of the official FIA document, Lewis Hamilton is cleared to focus on closing the gap to the front-runners in the upcoming sessions.