Sir Lewis Hamilton has avoided a grid penalty grid for the Singapore Grand Prix after being investigated for speeding under red flag conditions.
The seven-time F1 champion is enduring a tough maiden season with Ferrari and could well finish the year without stepping on the podium for the first time in his career.
This week has been especially difficult for Hamilton after his beloved dog Roscoe passed away last Sunday after 12 years by his side.
The 40-year-old was optimistic after Friday practice in Marina Bay, a track he has won at four times, but the good work was nearly undone in the final practice session on Saturday.
15 minutes into FP3, Liam Lawson slammed into the barriers, wrecking his Racing Bulls car and bringing out the red flag – just as he had done on Friday.
As such, all drivers returned to the pits, with onboard footage showing Hamilton slowly and cautiously driving past Lawson’s stricken car before speeding away.
It was quickly noted that the Brit was driving quicker than others, especially as he entered the blind pit-lane entrance, prompting an investigation by the stewards.
Article 37.6 of F1’s sporting regulations say ‘all cars must immediately reduce speed and proceed slowly back to the pit-lane’ when the red flag comes out.
There is precedent for drivers who speed under red flag conditions to be penalised, with Ollie Bearman given a 10-place grid drop and four penalty points in Silverstone.
Hamilton and a Ferrari representative were summoned to see the stewards shortly after practice and shortly before qualifying it was announced that he had managed to avoid punishment.
The FIA’s ruling was as follows: ‘Regarding the pit lane entry, the car’s speed was marginally higher than that of other cars in comparable situations, but the driver maintained full car control at all times and did not drive in a manner that could be considered unsafe.
‘While the Stewards consider that a greater reduction of speed would have been desirable under the circumstances, it is concluded that there is no evidence of a breach of the applicable regulations.’
Qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix will begin at 2pm UK time today, with Sunday’s race starting at 1pm.