Lewis Hamilton under investigation by stewards but only reprimanded
While he broke the track record on his last lap in qualifying, he could lose his pole position due to a reverse maneuver performed at the end of qualifying.
The FIA stewards have stated that they are asking Lewis Hamilton and a representative from Mercedes to come and explain regarding a reverse gear engaged in the pit lane. This is in contradiction with Article 28.3 of the sporting regulations, which states « at no time may a car be reversed in the pit lane under its own power.»
If it were recognized that Lewis Hamilton was found guilty of such an infraction, he would then be excluded from the qualifications and would find himself relegated to the back of the grid! This would completely reignite a race that was already set to be explosive between him, his teammate, and the two Ferraris.
But ultimately, the commissioners only decided to impose a simple reprimand on the British driver, who therefore retains the benefit of his pole position.
