During the Singapore Grand Prix practice session, Lewis Hamilton faced scrutiny after receiving a pit instruction from Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami, leading to an official stewards’ investigation. The seven-time World Champion was told to “attack pit entry” amid a red flag period triggered by Liam Lawson’s crash at Turn 7, a rule requiring drivers to reduce speed.
Details of the Red Flag Incident and FIA’s Decision
In the final practice session, the red flag conditions dictated that all drivers slow down. However, Adami instructed Hamilton, who was entering the pits, to maintain an aggressive speed. This raised concerns about a possible safety violation. The FIA stewards examined the case and noted that Hamilton’s speed was slightly higher than other drivers in similar situations, yet they confirmed he kept full control and did not commit an unsafe maneuver.
Context of Hamilton’s Relationship with Ferrari Race Engineer
Hamilton’s transition from his long-term collaboration with Mercedes engineer Pete Bonnington to working with Riccardo Adami at Ferrari has been marked by some tensions and challenges, as noted by former driver Jenson Button. This incident illustrates the ongoing difficulty in adapting to new team dynamics and communication styles.
Stewards’ Ruling and Implications for Hamilton
The stewards concluded there was no breach of regulations despite suggesting a greater speed reduction would have been preferable. This verdict allowed Hamilton to avoid a grid penalty, preserving his position ahead of the race. The ruling underscores the delicate balance drivers and engineers must maintain between speed and safety, especially under evolving race conditions.
Significance of the FIA’s Verdict for the Singapore GP and Hamilton’s Season
The decision to clear Hamilton emphasizes the FIA’s consideration of driver control rather than merely speed metrics, which may influence how future red flag incidents are judged. For Hamilton and Ferrari, maintaining compliance while navigating high-pressure race moments remains crucial as the season progresses.
“While the Stewards consider that a greater reduction of speed would have been desirable under the circumstances, it is concluded that there is no evidence of a breach of the applicable regulations.” – FIA Stewards
