F1 News: George Russell Receives Warning But No Penalty After Lewis Hamilton Crash
During the intense qualifying rounds for the Spanish Grand Prix, an unexpected incident unfolded between Mercedes drivers George Russell and his teammate Lewis Hamilton as both cars collided down the main straight. Despite Russell's abrupt swerve into the 7-time world champion, he left the Saturday without facing a penalty.
This odd event came to pass during the tail end of Q2 as George Russell, on his flying lap and trying to gain a boost from the Ferrari in front of him, moved to the left and hit Hamilton's W14. Although Hamilton couldn't dodge the impact, the 38-year-old British driver continued into Q3 with a new front wing after sustaining damage to the endplate. Meanwhile, Russell, caught up in the stress of a difficult Q2, was unable to advance into the top ten.
Post-qualifying, the sequence of events required both drivers to present themselves before the stewards to provide their perspectives on the incident. Russell admitted that he hadn't seen Hamilton's car, nor had he been warned by his race engineer.
The young driver was given a warning, but no penalty ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
The FIA stated the following:
The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 63 (George Russell), the driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, team radio and in-car video evidence.The driver of Car 63 stated that as he was just starting his fast lap he was looking forward and had not checked his mirrors. His team did not inform him of the approach of Car 44. However in mitigation, he was reacting to the car in front of him (Car 55) which had just finished its fast lap. In addition at the end of his out lap the driver of Car 63 had to slow significantly to avoid impeding Cars 1 and 55. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits. Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.
