Untelevised Verstappen, Hamilton moment sparks latest FIA investigation

Michelle Foster
Lewis Hamilton on track at Suzuka with Max Verstappen in the distance behind him.

An FIA investigation has been launched following a moment between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will visit the FIA’s stewards after an alleged incident at Turn 15 during Friday’s first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The moment was not broadcast by Formula One Management on the global feed.

FIA investigation into Max Verstappen/Lewis Hamilton incident

Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

However, onboard footage from Verstappen’s RB22 shows Verstappen was on a flying lap during Friday’s opening practice session at the Suzuka circuit and came up behind Hamilton in the Ferrari.

The Briton was not only on a slow lap but he was also in the middle of the track.

It meant Verstappen had to dive to the left of Hamilton, giving the Ferrari driver an angry gesture as he did so.

Verstappen was on the radio to Red Bull: “What the f**k!”

The incident, which took place at Turn 15, was noted by Race Control for the stewards to follow up on.

The FIA confirmed that it is investigating an “alleged breach of Article B1.8.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations – Incident between Cars 44 and 3 at 12:27.”

More to follow…

Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.

You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!

Read next: Russell shuts down Mercedes doubts with Suzuka FP1 P1 in 1-2