Hamilton reprimanded but Mercedes driver escapes grid setback

Lewis Hamilton can breathe a sigh of relief. The pilot Mercedes will not have to step back on the starting grid for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after being summoned before the Jeddah stewards' panel for two different incidents.

The seven-time world champion was first suspected of failing to respect a double yellow flag in Free Practice 3. It was in fact established that light panel No. 6 had been activated by mistake and remained lit for a second.

At no time was Hamilton warned of the presence of such a signal, either by radio or on his steering wheel. He had also already passed the commissioner's post when the sign started flashing very temporarily. It is therefore impossible for Hamilton to see the famous double yellow flag.

The Briton therefore logically escaped the fate experienced by his rival Max Verstappen in Qatar, where the pilot Red Bull had to move back 5 places on the grid for failure to respect a double yellow flag in qualifying.

On the other hand, Hamilton received a reprimand, his 2nd of the year, for having obstructed Nikita mazepin (Haas) at turn 8 while the Russian was on a flying lap, still in FP3.

The Briton had been warned 10 seconds before the arrival of Mazepin but he had not received any additional instructions. Mercedes therefore received a fine of 25 euros for the incident.