Hamilton cleared after alleged impeding of Gasly in Canadian GP qualifying
Lewis Hamilton was placed under investigation after qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix following an allegation that he impeded Alpine driver Pierre Gasly on the approach to Turn 8.
The incident, which involved Car 44 potentially delaying Car 10, was examined under Article B4.1.1 of the FIA Formula One Regulations, the clause governing unnecessary impeding during qualifying sessions.
According to the FIA, the stewards acted after receiving a report from the Race Director and subsequently summoned both drivers and their team representatives.
They reviewed all available evidence, including positioning and marshalling system data, video recordings, timing information, telemetry traces, team radio messages and in‑car camera footage. Only after this full evidentiary review did they begin assessing whether Hamilton’s actions constituted an infringement.
During the hearing, Hamilton explained that he had been “under the impression that Car 10 was not on a push lap,” adding that he believed Gasly was preparing for a timed run rather than attempting one.
Ferrari confirmed that this was also the team’s understanding at the time, telling the stewards that their information indicated Gasly was not on a flying lap when Hamilton encountered him. This alignment between driver and team formed a key part of Hamilton’s defence.
Gasly and the Alpine representative supported this interpretation. In their statements, they made clear that they did not consider the situation to be a case of unnecessary impeding.
Gasly’s position was described in the document as a direct acknowledgement that he did not feel Hamilton had acted improperly or obstructed him in a way that affected his qualifying performance. The Alpine representative echoed this view, reinforcing that the team did not believe Hamilton’s behaviour warranted a penalty.
After considering all submissions, the stewards concluded that the circumstances did not amount to a breach of Article B4.1.1. In their words, they “determined to take no further action,” noting that both drivers agreed on the nature of the incident and that the available data did not demonstrate any deliberate or avoidable obstruction. As a result, Hamilton retains his qualifying position without reprimand or grid penalty.
