Decision Car 44 Alleged Incident With Car 3
Japanese Grand Prix · 2026 · 27 March 2026 · Doc 26
- Driver
- Lewis Hamilton
- Team
- Scuderia Ferrari HP
- Session
- Free Practice 1
2026 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
27 - 29 March 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Scuderia Ferrari HP Document 26 Date 27 March 2026 Time 15:44
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 44 - Lewis Hamilton Competitor Scuderia Ferrari HP Time 12:27 Session Free Practice 1 Fact Incident between Cars 44 and 3 between turns 14 and 15. Infringement Alleged breach of Article B1.8.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations. Decision No further action. Reason The Stewards heard from the team representatives and reviewed video and team radio and in-car video evidence.
Having reviewed video and team radio, the Stewards find that the Driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), who had been given no warning from the team of the approach of Car 3 (Max Vserstappen), was travelling in the middle of the track between Turn 14 and Turn 15. As Car 3 closed on Car 44, Car 44 made an initial movement suggesting a move to the left, but ultimately remained to the right-hand side of the track. Car 3 approached with a significant speed differential but was able to pass Car 44 without being required to brake, lift, or deviate from its intended racing line.
In this case, the Stewards are satisfied that, although Car 3 was momentarily influenced by the positioning of Car 44, it was not forced to take evasive action. The Stewards also took into account that, through his team representative, the Driver of Car 3 said that the situation was not considered dangerous from his perspective.
Consistent with the position taken with respect to incidents of this type in free practice sessions where an alleged impeding is not considered dangerous or potentially so, the Stewards determined to take no further action.
However, the team is reminded to ensure that timely warnings are given to its drivers of the approach of other cars.
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
The Stewards Chapter 5 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.