Mercedes drivers visit stewards as Kevin Magnussen receives Belgian GP grid drop

Sam Cooper
George Russell points something out to Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton. Bahrain February 2023

George Russell points something out to Lewis Hamilton. Bahrain February 2023

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both reported to the stewards after an alleged rejoining of the track unsafely.

Alex Albon was called up to the stewards for the same offence which is an alleged breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 c) of the International Sporting Code.

Hamilton and Russell’s incident took place at Turn 3 while Albon’s was at Turn 9.

Williams driver Albon was eventually reprimanded for his incident, and the stewards decided that no further action would be taken against Hamilton after he slowed down and went off track at Eau Rouge, before rejoining in front of his team-mate, who also lowered his speed.

The stewards wrote: “Hamilton explained that he had been warned of the approach of Bottas and moved out of the way, in this case off track. Russell explained that he had the same warning but moved out of the way later.

“He also explained that as he was on the same program as Hamilton he was fully aware of what Hamilton was doing and that at no point was the manoeuvre unsafe. The Stewards agree and take no further action.”

Kevin Magnussen penalised for impeding Charles Leclerc

Elsewhere, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was given a three-place grid penalty for impeding the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc during qualifying on Friday.

Leclerc voiced his anger on team radio at seemingly being blocked on the exit of the high-speed double-left hander of Pouhon up to the Fagnes Chicane, and Magnussen has now been docked three places from his grid position as a result.

The stewards reasoned: “Magnussen left the track at Turn 9 and made contact with the wall. He then rejoined and drove the dry line. Leclerc, who was on a fast lap, caught Magnussen who did not give way until turn 16.

PlanetF1.com recommends

F1 starting grid: What is the grid order for the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix?

F1 results: Timings from Belgian Grand Prix qualifying

“Magnussen explained that he did not feel it was safe to move off onto the wet at speed and give room to Leclerc, particularly in the turns between 11 and 15.

“The Stewards observed that he did not receive a warning from his team that Leclerc was behind until Leclerc was right behind him at turn 10.

“The team also told him to push, as he needed to make it to the line to get another lap. Whether it was his failure to slow and yield following his accident, or whether it was the team’s failure to give information early enough that he could have pulled off earlier, or whether it was the instruction to push through the lap; in any case the Stewards determine that he unnecessarily impeded Leclerc.”

Read next: Max Verstappen explains angry radio message after elimination close call