F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: FIA announce Hamilton and Norris penalty VERDICT

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, FIA, 2024, Social, Photoshop — Photo: © IMAGO

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

FIA announce Hamilton and Norris penalty VERDICT at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton was the subject of an investigation at the Abu Dhabi GP

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Friday 6 December 2024 19:57

Lewis Hamilton has been given an official FIA verdict after an investigation into an incident involving Lando Norris during FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton is racing in his last race with Mercedes this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, before he heads to Ferrari from 2025 in a last-ditch attempt to try and claim an unprecedented eighth title.

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The 2024 season has been a dismal one for Hamilton, currently sat down in seventh in the drivers' championship and behind team-mate George Russell, who has also outqualified Hamilton in 18 out of 23 events this season.

Two victories have somewhat saved Hamilton's season, and the Brit is hoping to round off his highly-successful spell with Mercedes on a high this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris have both been called to see the stewards

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Hamilton investigated by the FIA

However, Hamilton's send off at Mercedes threatened to be hampered by an FIA investigation, following an incident between British stars Hamilton and Norris.

After an FP1 session in which Hamilton managed to roar back to the front in his W15 car, giving him hope of a good result at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, the seven-time champion was required to visit the stewards, alongside Norris.

Hamilton was investigated for allegedly impeding Norris at Turn 16 during FP1, forcing the 25-year-old to take avoiding action.

However, following a meeting with the Abu Dhabi stewards, it was confirmed that Hamilton will not face any further action.

In an official document, the FIA revealed: "The stewards heard from the driver of car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), the driver of car 4 (Lando Norris), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.

"The driver of car 44 was driving slowly on the left side of the track approaching turn 16, this being the racing line. At the same time another car was entering the pit lane and therefore occupied the right side of the track.

"Car 4 was closing in at high speed and was impacted by car 44 sitting on the racing line into turn 16 to prepare his next lap. However, the inside line would have been open and there was space for car 4 to overtake on the inside. The driver of car 4 chose not to move to the inside as he was not sure if car 44 would close the gap to start a flying lap.

"The stewards conclude that the incident was kind of a misunderstanding between the drivers involved, but does not meet the threshold of being considered as an unnecessary impeding in free practice."

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes FIA Lando Norris Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Yas Marina Circuit