Formula 1 News: Hamilton, Stroll, Leclerc, and Norris Under Investigation Ahead of Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying
Four top Formula 1 drivers, Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, are facing investigation by the Spanish Grand Prix stewards following two unusual separate collisions during the final practice session today.
With the critical final practice session preceding qualifying, drivers were eager to secure clear runs and perfect their set-up and tyre preparation for the battle for grid positions. However, two separate incidents marred the session as drivers appeared to let their frustration get the better of them after seeing good laps ruined.
The first incident occurred around the 20-minute mark when a slow-moving Hamilton unintentionally obstructed Stroll, who was on a fast lap, through Turn 5. Hamilton promptly apologized on the radio and attempted to clear the way for the Aston Martin driver through the corner. However, Stroll moved out towards him, and the pair made light contact on the downhill exit.
“At no time may a car be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person.”
Both Stroll and Hamilton have been summoned for an investigation into potentially dangerous driving, which is prohibited by Article 33.4 of F1’s Sporting Regulations.
In the second incident, which took place during the final runs, Leclerc clearly felt impeded by Norris through Turn 5. As the duo accelerated out of the corner, with Leclerc’s lap ruined, he swerved left towards the McLaren driver, clipping Norris’s front wing in the process. Both Leclerc and Norris have been formally summoned to see the stewards.
On the team radio, Norris reported, “He just drove into me. I think I’ve got damage.” A visibly agitated Leclerc exclaimed, “F***er. I don’t understand why they do that.” Ferrari responded by suggesting that Norris had also blocked Max Verstappen.
In a separate incident at Turn 7, just moments later, Verstappen was forced to run wide to avoid contact with the slow-moving Norris, which was noted by the stewards. Following a review, it was decided that no further investigation was warranted.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Formula 1 news and developments ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying.
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