Source: REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
[Saba Sports News] Lewis Hamilton was warned by the FIA for blocking rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes during the second practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix. The incident occurred before the fourth turn, when Antonelli encountered a slow-moving Hamilton during a flying lap and had to make an emergency maneuver. After the session, Hamilton said he didn’t notice Antonelli approaching through his rear view mirror and apologized via hand signals and team radio. The FIA, after reviewing statements from both sides, onboard footage, and team communications, concluded that Hamilton continued on his ideal racing line after being reminded, causing unnecessary obstruction. As a result, a warning was issued. Although the FIA generally handles incidents in practice sessions more leniently, this interference was still deemed inappropriate. In our view, this small incident reflects Hamilton’s current struggles at Ferrari. Since switching from Mercedes at the start of the season, the seven-time F1 world champion has yet to reach the podium. In the Austrian race, Hamilton finished tenth, nearly a second behind Lando Norris of McLaren, and still hasn’t shown signs of his former peak form.