The FIA investigated Lewis Hamilton after an incident involving Max Verstappen between turns 14 and 15 at Suzuka during Friday’s first free practice session

Lewis Hamilton avoided action for allegedly driving unnecessarily slowly, erratically or dangerously (Image: Getty)

Lewis Hamilton faces no further action from the stewards after an incident involving Max Verstappen during the first free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix. The incident occurred between turns 14 and 15 at Suzuka, with Hamilton alleged to have driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person.

It happened during a flying lap by Verstappen, when his Red Bull came up to Hamilton’s Ferrari on a slow lap. The positioning of Hamilton in the middle of the track meant Verstappen had to dive down the left of his long-time rival, which did not impress the Dutchman, who said on the team radio: “What the f**k!”

The full reason given by the FIA reads: “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 Verstappen), 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.”

Max Verstappen was involved in an incident during both of the practice sessions on Friday at Suzuka (Image: Getty)

Verstappen was also summoned by the stewards after Franco Colapinto allegedly impeded the Red Bull car at turn 15 during the second free practice session. The Alpine driver allegedly breached Article B4.1.1, which states: “Any driver taking part in any LTCs (listed team components) who, in the opinion of the stewards, stops unnecessarily on the circuit or unnecessarily impedes another driver shall be subject to the penalties referred to in Article B1.9.4.”

That article states: “In the event of an incident during any LTCS, the Stewards may delete a driver’s lap time (or lap times) or drop the driver such number of grid positions as they consider appropriate.”

It also notes: “Unless it is completely clear that a driver committed a driving infringement, any such incident will normally be investigated after the relevant session.” The article also states: “Any such grid position penalties will be served in the race.”

Colapinto came 17th in the session, three places behind Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly. Verstappen, meanwhile, made it into the top 10 but was 1.376 seconds slower than Oscar Piastri, who topped the timesheets.