Lewis Hamilton F1 News: FIA investigate Mercedes star after bizarre Austrian GP incident

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FIA confirm Hamilton investigation after BIZARRE Austrian GP incident

The seven-time champion could be in trouble following qualifying in Spielberg

Kevin McKenna

Saturday 29 June 2024 18:59 Updated: 21:02

The FIA has confirmed that Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton is under investigation after a bizarre incident in Formula 1 qualifying at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion went fifth fastest at the Red Bull Ring as Max Verstappen secured pole position ahead of Sunday's showpiece.

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Ultimately, it was another frustrating qualifying for Hamilton, who was once again out-qualified by his team-mate George Russell, who will start tomorrow's grand prix in third.

Russell now leads Hamilton 9-2 in head-to-head grand prix qualifying in 2024 and things could yet get worse for the 103-time race-winner.

Lewis Hamilton was called to report to race stewards after qualifying in Austria

Max Verstappen will start on pole for Sunday's race

FIA announce Lewis Hamilton investigation

Having had a dramatic start to the session in which he had to produce a late lap on fresh tyres to make it through to Q2, Hamilton eventually made it to Q3 - the third and final part of the qualifying session.

Despite that, the drama continued for the 39-year-old, with his Mercedes car appearing to drag a rear jack and an extraction pipe into the pit lane as he pulled out of his Mercedes garage.

The sport's governing body immediately announced that an investigation was underway, revealing they were examining a potentially unsafe release.

An FIA document released a few hours later revealed that Mercedes had been fined €5000 for the unsafe release, with stewards acknowledging the team's immediate call for Hamilton to stop as to try and avoid a dangerous situation.

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Christian Horner George Russell Austrian Grand Prix