The FIA has given its verdict on the on-road collision between Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion and Canadian driver was involved in a strange incident at the end of three free practices that have been largely uneventful so far.
However, late drama was expected at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya when Stroll crashed into the side of Hamilton’s car after being blocked by the seven-time world champion.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren star Lando Norris were involved in a similar incident shortly afterwards in a strange turn of events.
Lewis Hamilton was punished by the FIA
Hamilton, for his part, was very quick to catch his mistake on the team radio, while Lance Stroll was just as quick to express his displeasure to his team on the pit wall. After the session, both drivers were invited to meet the race jury, which gave its verdict in the case later in the day. The FIA ruled that Stroll was reprimanded for his involvement and Hamilton was not penalized for possible obstruction.
Lance Stroll was reprimanded for his involvement in the crash
The FIA report stated: “The driver of car 18 [Promenado] reported that car 44 accelerated to turn 5 and it shocked him.” He admitted that he wanted to express his displeasure to the other driver by running him over on the exit. Both cars had minor contact that was accidental.
“However, operational managers consider the movement of car 18, although not dangerous, irregular and therefore issue a driving warning in accordance with precedents.” Interestingly, Leclerc received the same penalty as Stroll for his involvement in the aforementioned similar incident with Norris..
