Max Verstappen expressed irritation twice about Lewis Hamilton’s driving behavior during the Australian Grand Prix, but the stewards decided not to intervene in both cases. The FIA now comes with an explanation why Hamilton was not penalized.
Shortly after the start of the race at Albert Park, Verstappen saw the two Mercedes drivers pass him. However, Hamilton did this quite aggressively, passing on the inside, forcing Verstappen out to avoid an accident. The Dutchman complained about the on-board radio and stated that he was pushed wide while his car was ahead of Hamilton entering the corner. The stewards decided to leave the moment undisturbed and they did the same the second time Verstappen complained about Hamilton’s driving behaviour.
Hamilton would have violated Article 58.8
At the first restart, after Alexander Albon’s accident, Hamilton – who was leading at the time – was the first to take a seat behind the safety car on his way to the grid. However, Hamilton drove quite slowly and seemed to lose connection with the safety car. Verstappen was annoyed by this and announced over the on-board radio that this is not allowed. He pointed to Article 58.8 of the sporting regulations, which states that drivers must follow the safety car at a distance of no more than ten car lengths. A rule that Sergio Pérez and Pierre Gasly also ran into problems with last season. However, Hamilton was spared by the FIA and an explanation is now being given for this.
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FIA officials point to Article 58.11
According to the stewards, it is true that Rule 58.8 refers to the ten car lengths, but it says later – in Rule 58.11 – that the lead car may set the pace if there is a standing start. “Car 44 was the first car in line and, when the safety car lights went out in turn 6, dictated the pace by driving very slowly (as required by the regulations),” the officials reasoned.
Possible rule change in the future
So while Hamilton didn’t break any rule, the FIA understands it may not be entirely ideal. They can therefore understand Verstappen’s complaint well and want to look into it in the future. “Maybe this should be reviewed in the future to see if it is suitable for such a restart,” they say.
