Lewis Hamilton was summoned to the Formula 1 stewards after the second free practice session for the Malaysian Grand Prix following an incident with Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto. The Ferrari driver admitted he had difficulty seeing the Brazilian approaching because his right-hand mirror was damaged, but the stewards wanted to investigate the incident further.
Lewis Hamilton could face a penalty after being summoned to the stewards following Friday’s second free practice session at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver was involved in an incident with Audi youngster Gabriel Bortoleto while running on a cool-down lap. Bortoleto approached Hamilton from behind, but the seven-time world champion moved his Ferrari onto the racing line shortly before the corner.
Bortoleto was forced to lift off and move around Hamilton’s Ferrari, prompting an angry reaction from the Brazilian over his team radio.
Bortoleto angry after Hamilton blocks his Audi
“What the hell is that guy doing?! He sees me coming and keeps blocking me,” Bortoleto said over the radio immediately after the incident.
Hamilton appeared to recognize that he had created a problem, but explained that his ability to see Bortoleto approaching had been compromised by damage to his Ferrari’s right-hand mirror.
“It’s hard to see anything through my right mirror. It’s all broken,” Hamilton told his Ferrari team.
The explanation did not prevent the incident from being referred to the stewards. Hamilton was subsequently summoned to explain what happened, with the stewards set to determine whether his actions amounted to an offence for impeding another driver.
At the time of the summons, no decision had been announced, meaning the potential consequences for Hamilton remained unclear.
Ferrari shows stronger pace in second practice
The incident came during a mixed Friday for Ferrari in Malaysia, although the team showed improved pace during the second session.
Charles Leclerc finished fourth in the opening practice session, with Hamilton sixth. Leclerc was 0.84 seconds away from the benchmark time, while Hamilton ended the session 1.07 seconds off the pace.
Ferrari’s performance improved during the second session, with Leclerc moving to the top of the timing sheets.
Hamilton also made progress compared with FP1, finishing fifth and ending the session much closer to the front than he had been earlier in the day.
The focus, however, shifted away from Ferrari’s pace after the chequered flag when Hamilton was called before the stewards.
Hamilton now waits for the stewards’ decision
The stewards’ investigation will determine whether Hamilton receives any sporting penalty for the incident with Bortoleto.
Impeding another driver during a practice session can result in a range of consequences depending on the circumstances, with the stewards considering factors including the driver’s awareness, the location of the incident and whether another competitor was materially affected.
Hamilton’s damaged mirror could therefore form an important part of the Ferrari driver’s explanation.
For Bortoleto, meanwhile, the incident added an unexpected flashpoint to an otherwise routine Friday session as the Audi driver prepares for the remainder of the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend.
The stewards’ decision will determine whether Hamilton enters the next session without further consequences or whether the Ferrari driver’s Friday afternoon develops into a more significant issue.
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