Hamilton avoids grid penalty despite impeding incident in Sepang

Lewis Hamilton narrowly escaped a harsher penalty in Sepang following an incident with Gabriel Bortoleto during the second free practice session. The stewards initially considered labeling the incident as dangerous impeding due to a significant speed differential, with Hamilton approaching Turn 9 at 80 to 85 km/h while Bortoleto closed in at around 240 km/h. Ultimately, Hamilton received only a warning after weighing mitigating factors, such as Bortoleto being on an out-lap and Ferrari not alerting Hamilton over the radio. This decision contrasts with a previous reprimand in Baku for a similar infraction. Hamilton currently has two reprimands this season and risks receiving a grid penalty if he accumulates three more before the end of the season.

• 5:59 AMYahoo Sports — Stewards considered 'dangerous impeding': Hamilton escapes third reprimand in Sepang