Hamilton Cleared of Penalty After Norris FP1 Incident at Abu Dhabi GP
Lewis Hamilton’s final weekend with Mercedes faced a moment of tension as the seven-time world champion was summoned to the stewards following an incident with McLaren’s Lando Norris during FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Speculation swirled about potential repercussions for Hamilton, who is bidding to end his tenure with Mercedes on a high before joining Ferrari in 2025.
The incident occurred at Turn 16 when Hamilton, preparing for a flying lap, was alleged to have impeded Norris, forcing the McLaren driver to take avoiding action. While the situation raised concerns about unnecessary impeding, the FIA ultimately ruled that no further action was warranted.
In their official statement, the stewards explained that the incident was a result of a “misunderstanding” between the drivers. They noted that Hamilton’s W15 car was traveling slowly on the racing line as another vehicle occupied the pit lane entry, leaving the right side of the track unavailable. Norris approached at high speed but hesitated to overtake on the inside, uncertain about Hamilton’s intentions. Despite the brief disruption, the stewards concluded that the circumstances did not meet the threshold for a penalty, citing the openness of the inside line and a lack of deliberate interference from Hamilton.
This decision comes as a relief for Hamilton, who has endured a challenging 2024 season. Sitting seventh in the drivers’ standings and outperformed by teammate George Russell in 18 of 23 qualifying sessions, Hamilton has struggled to maintain his usual dominance. However, two victories this year have offered glimpses of his enduring talent, fueling hopes of a strong performance in his Mercedes swansong.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 represents a high-stakes gamble for the British driver, who aims to claim an unprecedented eighth world title with the Scuderia. His performance at Yas Marina is under intense scrutiny, not only as a measure of his current form but as a preview of what he may bring to Ferrari in the upcoming season.
For Norris, the ruling avoids potential complications in what has been a breakout year for the McLaren star. The 25-year-old has consistently delivered standout performances, helping McLaren emerge as serious contenders in the constructors’ championship battle with Ferrari. As the final race weekend unfolds, Norris will look to capitalize on his momentum and finish the season strong.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises high stakes across the board, from the championship battle between McLaren and Ferrari to individual legacies like Hamilton’s. For now, the decision to absolve Hamilton of wrongdoing ensures the focus remains on the on-track action as Formula 1 closes another thrilling season.
