Lewis Hamilton faces scrutiny ahead of qualifying over whether he failed to slow down enough in response to a red flag in final practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
After the red flag was raised, Lando Norris radioed the team of Hamilton’s actions. “Hamilton arrives under red flag”
The session was red-flagged when Hamilton started to ‘push’ a set of soft tyres. He made it into turn four and nearly turned five when he passed Magnussen and ran into Norris, who was on a cool-down lap.
At the same time, Hamilton was told by race engineer Peter Bonnington, “Red flag, red flag, no break”. “So put yourself behind Magnussen,” he added.
Hamilton was also warned to be “delta positive” – respecting the minimum lap times that drivers must follow to avoid driving too fast during red flags. “So just stay on that delta,” Bonnington added.
The stewards called Hamilton at 4pm local time. They are investigating whether he breached Article 2.5.4.1 (b) of Annex H of the International Sporting Laws. This means that when a red flag is displayed, “During practice, all cars will immediately slow down and gradually return to their own pits.”
The session was red-flagged to allow the marshals to clear the wreckage on lap nine. The front right wheel arch came off the Per Gasly AlphaTauri.
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Regulation: International Sporting Laws Annex H Article 2.4.5.1 (b)
b) Red flag
This flag must be flown at the starting line when it is decided to stop a practice session or race. At the same time, every marshal post around the circuit should wave a red flag. When giving a stop signal:
1) During practice, all cars immediately reduce their speed and slowly return to their own pits;
2) During the race, all cars must immediately slow down and move to the red flag line (
See the note at the end of point b));
3) Overtaking is prohibited and drivers must remember that race and service vehicles may be on the track, the circuit may be completely closed due to an accident and weather conditions may prevent the circuit from running at racing speed.
4) If the race is stopped, drivers should remember that speeding is pointless because:
– Before the appearance of the red flag and in accordance with the rules of the race, the order of the race classification or restart grid will be established.
– The exit of the tunnel will be closed.
All cars must stop in order before the red flag line
Until the race is declared to continue or end and the appropriate direction is given by the marshal in accordance with the rules of the race.
The red flag can be used by the Course Secretary or the candidate to close the circuit (see paragraph 2.1.4).
: Red Flag Line: A continuous, 20 cm wide line crossing the track from side to side, at right angles to the center of the track, shall be marked with a 20 cm wide line in non-slip paint at the rear. If they are stopped or suspended, they will be on the starting grid where they can comfortably attend and the safety car will take them out if the race continues.
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