Lewis Hamilton could face new sanctions over ‘extremely dangerous’ incident in Qatar

Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has announced it is “looking into” Lewis Hamilton’s behavior following his crash at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The British superstar collided with his Mercedes teammate in the first corner of the race at Lusail on October 8.

Taking out the clipped George Russell, the two British drivers turned around and left the circuit, but Hamilton fared worse, suffering a punctured tire and getting stuck in the gravel.

Russell was able to continue, but as he and the rest of the field spun under the safety car, Hamilton crossed the road back into the nearby pit lane.

The move broke FIA ​​rules and cost the seven-time champion a fine of €50,000 [£43,000], half of which was suspended. This decision could now be changed, with an FIA spokesperson saying:
“The FIA ​​is looking into the incident of Lewis Hamilton overtaking the live track during the Qatar Grand Prix.

“The FIA ​​noted that Lewis apologized at a subsequent stewards’ hearing into the incident and admitted that the overtaking constituted a serious safety breach.

“However, as a role model, the FIA ​​is concerned about the impression his actions may create on young drivers.”

An earlier statement from the Grand Prix stewards read:
“Following an off-track collision on the first lap, the driver of car number 44 abandoned the car on the gravel and ran back to the pits,” the steward said.

“He therefore overtook the then tight track and reached the inside edge of the track just seconds before the 63 [Russell] car came at high speed after exiting the pits.

“He then continued along the track until he left the track. “During the hearing, the driver of car 44 apologized and realized the situation could have been very dangerous for him and other approaching motorists.

“Stewards stress that crossing railway tracks under stressful conditions can cause extremely dangerous situations and drivers must be extremely careful when doing so.

“In addition to imposing a significant fine (partial suspension), the Steward also reprimanded the driver noting that receiving a certain number of reprimands in a season will result in a driving penalty substantial vehicle according to Article 18.2 of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Regulations. A single sporting regulation.