FIA ‘revisiting’ investigation into Lewis Hamilton walking across Qatar track

Lewis Hamilton is to face an investigation by the FIA for walking across the track during the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend. It is the second time the incident has come under scrutiny, with the British driver having already been investigated and fined by the stewards at the race.

The decision to reopen the case is an almost unprecedented move which is already raising questions as to why Hamilton has been singled out by Formula One’s governing body, who cited his position as a “role model”.

Hamilton had crashed into his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, on the opening lap at the first corner in Qatar, putting him out of the race. He then climbed from his car and walked across the track to return to the pits, just before the main field of cars came through, a breach of the regulations. He apologised, agreed that he should not have done so and accepted that it was dangerous for himself and the drivers on track. The stewards gave him a reprimand and a £43,350 fine, half of which was suspended.

However, on Sunday the FIA announced they were to revisit the case. It is believed Hamilton will not face further punishment but that the purpose is to review the case with a view to imposing harsher penalties for crossing a live track in future, to emphasise that it is considered highly dangerous.

But the statement from the FIA noted that Hamilton’s status was a contributory factor. “The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix,” it read. “The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent stewards’ hearing into the incident and acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach. However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the