FIA investigates Lewis Hamilton after yet another impeding
The FIA has opened an investigation into Lewis Hamilton following an incident with Gabriel Bortoleto during second practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Hamilton was on a cooldown lap when Bortoleto closed rapidly in his Audi and attempted to pass. The Ferrari appeared to move right while positioned on the racing line, forcing Bortoleto to take avoiding action and ride the curb before switching to the inside to get past.
The Brazilian made his frustration clear over team radio, asking his engineer: âWhat the f** is this guy doing!â* His engineer did not appear concerned by the incident.
The encounter unfolded at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where the stewards will now assess the circumstances surrounding the on-track interaction.
Hamilton reports a problem with his mirror
Replays showed Hamilton looking towards his right-hand mirror as Bortoleto approached, while continuing to turn in the same direction as the Audi. A radio message broadcast moments later offered Hamiltonâs explanation: he said he could not see through the mirror.
âI canât see through my right mirror, so keep me up to date,â Hamilton told his team.
That reported visibility issue will form part of the context around the incident, but the FIA has confirmed an investigation is under way. The available account does not state whether a decision or penalty has been issued.
Bortoleto has been summoned to the stewards to give evidence at 17:30 local time. His account, alongside the available footage and Hamiltonâs radio message, will be considered as officials examine the sequence.
For Hamilton, the incident adds a stewardsâ inquiry to a practice session in which his explanation centred on limited visibility from the right mirror. Bortoleto, meanwhile, was forced to take evasive action before completing the pass. The outcome of the investigation remains pending.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.