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Formula 1: Hamilton secures P2 at Sepang amid FIA warnings and fines
During the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend at the Sepang International Circuit, several regulatory incidents and qualifying results shaped the grid. Lewis Hamilton secured second place on the grid, sharing the front row with pole-sitter Max Verstappen. Hamilton attributed his improved performance to a last-minute setup change that helped manage tire overheating in the extreme Malaysian heat. However, Ferrari faces a €10,000 fine after Hamilton was issued a formal warning for impeding Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto during a practice session. The stewards noted that while Hamilton's right-hand mirror was damaged, he unnecessarily moved onto the racing line, and Ferrari failed to provide adequate radio warnings.
In qualifying, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll received two warnings from FIA stewards for driving unnecessarily slowly during the Q1 and Q2 sessions. Stroll exceeded the permitted maximum time between safety car lines, an infraction the team attributed to power unit configuration requirements. Despite the warnings, Stroll's qualifying performance was a season best, placing him 14th and allowing both Aston Martin drivers to advance to Q2.
Additionally, technical data reveals that Hamilton is starting the race without any remaining spare power unit components, placing him one replacement away from a grid penalty. Ferrari has also reached the seasonal limit for all power unit categories for both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton.
Entities
Aston Martin · Audi · FIA · Ferrari · Gabriel Bortoleto · Lewis Hamilton · Max Verstappen · Sepang International Circuit
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The FIA issued a warning to Lewis Hamilton rather than a severe sporting penalty. motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The fine was issued because the team failed to provide a radio warning to the driver. motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hamilton experienced damage to his right-hand mirror during the session. motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lewis Hamilton was responsible for impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session. motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The incident took place at Turn 9 during the second free practice session at Sepang. motorsport.uol.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Gabriel Bortoleto expressed frustration via team radio regarding the impeding incident.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ferrari received a €10,000 fine for the incident. motorsport.uol.com.br