The FIA stewards have summoned Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in response to their on-track incident during the 2023 Belgian GP qualifying.
The seven-time world champion appeared to be slightly slower and off-line through the left-right as he was guiding Russell up the renowned Eau Rouge-Raidillon.
Approaching the top of the rise, Hamilton veered off the track, swerving over the painted run-off and then re-joined just ahead of Russell, who let off his gas in return. As a result, both drivers have been contacted to appear before the race stewards as Hamilton has been put under investigation as consequently.
This specifically relates to a 203 FIA International Sporting Code Appendix L alleged violation.
The phrase in question is: “Drivers must use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason. For the avoidance of doubt, the white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not.
“Should a car leave the track for any reason, the driver may rejoin. However, this may only be done when it is safe to do so and without gaining any lasting advantage.
“A driver will be judged to have left the track if no part of the car remains in contact with the track. A driver may be reported to the Stewards should they perform any act which results in debris being brought onto the track.”
Hamilton finished fourth in the final round of qualifying for the race on Sunday. However, he will start the race from third because Max Verstappen, who beat Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by 0.82 seconds, received a five-place grid penalty. Russell, on the other hand, finished Q3 eighth fastest.
Notably, the Mercedes team also collided during Q2 of the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this season. Russell’s car skidded off the track after Hamilton attempted to get by on the main straight.
The Mercedes cars briefly came together, resulting in minor bodywork damage, as Hamilton landed on the grass. After making the unusual direction shift, Russell and the team received a formal warning.
