Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been summoned by the FIA stewards after an incident occurred during the Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session. The investigation focuses on a near collision between the two drivers at the Massenet corner during the first qualifying segment (Q1), where Hamilton was moving slowly and Verstappen was approaching at speed.
Details of the Monaco Qualifying Incident
Both Hamilton and Verstappen were competing for pole position, which eventually went to McLaren’s Lando Norris. During the initial qualifying segment, Verstappen was on a fast lap and encountered Hamilton moving at a reduced pace on the inside at Massenet. Verstappen was forced to lift off his throttle and expressed his frustration with an explicit outburst on team radio, feeling that Hamilton had impeded his lap.
The stewards announced shortly after qualifying that they would investigate the incident, summoning both drivers to discuss the matter. Hamilton ultimately qualified provisionally in fourth position, with Verstappen starting fifth.
Implications of the FIA Investigation at Monaco
The FIA’s inquiry into this Monaco GP incident highlights the tension between title contenders during close battles for qualifying positions. The outcome could affect grid penalties or other sanctions for Hamilton or Verstappen, potentially influencing the race dynamics in the tight streets of Monaco. With the investigation underway, fans and teams alike await the stewards’ decision and the next developments in this ongoing rivalry.
