FIA, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, launched a review of its earlier decision regarding imposed punishment on the Lewis Hamilton for crossing the Qatar F1 track.
Hamilton and his team-mate George Russel went side by side for the better position at the start of the race. In a bid to take lead, they touched at the Losaid circuit where Hamilton had to retire because of the damage.
However, Russell managed to keep his car on the track. But his team-mate could not manged to put himself out of the gravel trap.
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Hamilton swiftly jumped of his Mercedes and make his way to the pits. The crossing of circuit was against the regulations. He crossed the track before the lead pack could pass through the incident corner.
Stewards summoned the Hamilton to take his perspective on the incident. They investigation found the Mercedes F1 driver guilty of violation.
Stewards handed him 50,000 Euros fine with first reprimand of the season. However, 25,000 Euros fine is pending for the rest of season if there is no further similar breach.
After a week of the incident, the FIA announced re-evaluation of the decision and its implications. Because the implications are far more serious than originally assessed.
FIA on re-investigation
The re-investigation of the event is not regarding more penalty for the Hamilton. However, the authorities want to set the right precedent for the future.
An FIA spokesman said: “The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix.
“The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent stewards hearing in to the incident.
Hamilton also “acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach.
“However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers.”
During hearing, the seven times Formula 1 champion expressed his regrets about the incident. He also showed his resolve not to repeat the same in future as he realized the implications.
“During the hearing the driver of Car 44 was very apologetic. And realized that the situation could have been very dangerous for him as well as the drivers approaching,” said the FIA at the time.
“The Stewards reinforced the fact that crossing a live track can cause extremely dangerous situations. And the drivers have to be very cautious about it.”
