Lewis Hamilton will face no further action from the FIA stewards following a near-miss with Max Verstappen during opening practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The flashpoint occurred between turns 14 and 15 at Suzuka when the seven-time world champion was accused of driving erratically while on a slow lap.
Verstappen rapidly approached in his Red Bull during a flying lap, forcing the Dutchman to dart down the left side of the track to avoid Hamilton’s Ferrari.
The incident immediately sparked a furious reaction from the reigning world champion, who voiced his explicit frustration over the team radio.
FIA clears Hamilton of dangerous driving
Following a review of video footage and radio communications, the sport’s governing body determined that no penalty was necessary for the alleged impeding.
The stewards noted that Hamilton had received no prior warning from his pit wall regarding the rapidly approaching car.
As Car 3 closed on Car 44, Car 44 made an initial movement suggesting a move to the left, but ultimately remained to the right-hand side of the track.
Officials confirmed that Verstappen was able to pass the slower vehicle without being required to brake, lift, or deviate from his intended racing line.
Red Bull downplay Suzuka incident
Despite his initial outburst over the radio, Verstappen’s own camp ultimately helped to defuse the situation during the subsequent hearing.
A representative for the 26-year-old informed the stewards that the situation was not considered dangerous from his perspective.
In this case, the Stewards are satisfied that, although Car 3 was momentarily influenced by the positioning of Car 44, it was not forced to take evasive action.
While avoiding sanctions, Ferrari were reminded of their obligation to ensure timely warnings are provided to their drivers regarding approaching traffic.
Verstappen was also required to visit the stewards for a separate incident involving Franco Colapinto during the eventful second practice session.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has described the new Formula 1 regulations as the most enjoyable of his career following a thrilling multi-lap battle at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion compared his recent on-track duel with team-mate Charles Leclerc to his famous 2014 rivalry with Nico Rosberg.
His positive assessment arrives amid ongoing paddock debate regarding the profound impact of the newly introduced car and engine rules.
The sport’s updated hybrid power units now feature an equal split between internal combustion and electrical power.
The rise of ‘yo-yo racing’
These energy-starved powerplants force drivers to constantly manage battery levels throughout a lap.
This dynamic has led to what critics have dubbed “yo-yo racing” during the opening two grands prix of the season.
Competitors frequently pass and re-pass each other across multiple laps as their systems deploy varying levels of electrical energy.
However, the 39-year-old insists this strategic energy management mirrors the pure, close-quarters competition found in grassroots motorsport.
“If you go back to karting, it’s the same thing. People going back and forth, back and forth, you can never break away,” Hamilton explained.
“No one ever has ever referred to go-karting as yo-yo racing. It’s the best form of racing, and Formula 1 has not been the best form of racing in a long, long time.”
Aerodynamic gains and qualifying concerns
Beyond the engine regulations, the former Mercedes star highlighted the significantly improved aerodynamic characteristics of the current machinery.
The British veteran noted that these lighter, more nimble cars finally allow drivers to follow closely through high-speed corners without suffering a sudden loss of downforce.
Despite his undeniable enthusiasm for Sunday race days, he acknowledged the inherent paradox created during Saturday qualifying sessions.
The intense need to harvest electrical energy leaves the cars feeling under-powered during a single flying lap, effectively reducing the ultimate driving challenge.
Pushing for improvements ahead of Miami
While the experienced racer admits to disliking both the power deployment and straight-line modes, he remains convinced the overall package benefits the sporting spectacle.
Governing body the FIA recently met with team bosses to rigorously assess the current qualifying limitations.
Officials are attempting to find actionable improvements before the upcoming Miami Grand Prix in five weeks’ time.
Furthermore, immediate regulatory tweaks have already been implemented for this weekend’s race in Japan to slightly reduce the total volume of energy cars are permitted to recover.
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris believes McLaren will develop the best car on the grid this season despite a challenging start to his title defence.
The British driver suffered a Did Not Start in China due to an electrical failure and finished fifth at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Those results leave him 36 points adrift of early championship leader George Russell ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
McLaren target podium return
The Woking-based team are already facing a significant constructors’ deficit, sitting 80 points behind early leaders Mercedes.
Despite the initial setback in the new 2026 regulation era, the 26-year-old remains highly optimistic about their development pipeline.
He pointed to his team’s impressive mid-season turnaround in 2024 as definitive proof of their recovery capabilities.
“I can’t remember how many points we were behind in 2024 from Mercedes and Red Bull, Ferrari, but I think we were over 150 points or something behind and we still managed to come back and win the Constructors’,” Norris said.
Patience required in development race
“What we are thinking of is getting on the podium first of all, and then just returning to winning races,” he added.
“The points then take care of themselves and we’ll see what we can claw back.”
While the exact cause of the recent power unit failure remains undisclosed, engine supplier Mercedes have reportedly identified and resolved the issue to prevent any recurrence.
McLaren have established a formidable reputation in recent years for delivering effective mid-season upgrades without compromising reliability.
Focusing on the bigger picture
The sweeping 2026 aerodynamic and engine regulation changes have reshuffled the competitive order, temporarily leaving the defending champions playing catch-up.
Teammate Oscar Piastri shares the internal optimism as the garage prepares for crucial practice sessions at Suzuka.
“I want to say I think we’re confident as a team and we believe in ourselves that we’ve won the last two championships,” Norris explained.
“The real question you probably ask is would I rather be here and have won last year, or would I rather have a slightly better car now and not have won last year, and I think you know what my answer would be.”
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen refused to answer questions and ejected a journalist from his press conference at the Japanese Grand Prix on Thursday over lingering anger from a previous interview.
The four-time Formula 1 champion declined to start his written media session at Suzuka until the reporter had left the room.
His frustration stems from a question posed at the season finale in Abu Dhabi last December.
Tensions spill over from title heartbreak
During that previous exchange, the journalist had questioned the Dutchman about an intentional collision with George Russell at last year’s Spanish Grand Prix.
The ensuing 10-second time penalty cost the 28-year-old nine crucial points.
In hindsight, that penalty proved decisive as the Red Bull talisman narrowly missed out on securing a fifth world championship by just two points.
When asked if he regretted the incident in Abu Dhabi, he had delivered a sharply critical response.
“You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. You’re giving me a stupid grin now.”
Suzuka standoff halts media session
Recognising the Guardian newspaper’s F1 correspondent in the room at Suzuka, the reigning championship contender immediately halted proceedings.
“I’m not speaking before he leaves.”
The surprised reporter asked if the demand was seriously due to the question regarding Spain from last year.
“Get out.”
When the journalist questioned if he was genuinely still upset by the exchange, the response remained entirely blunt.
“Yeah, get out.”
Once the reporter exited the facility, the driver visibly relaxed and told the remaining gathered press that they could begin.
Championship struggles compound frustration
The dramatic confrontation follows a difficult start to the new campaign for the typically dominant racer.
He currently trails the lead in the drivers’ championship standings by a considerable 43 points.
That deficit follows a mechanical failure at the Chinese Grand Prix, which compounded a modest sixth-place finish at the season opener in Melbourne.
Championship leader George Russell has accused rivals of attempting to slow Mercedes down after the team’s front wing came under scrutiny ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Brackley-based outfit have dominated the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the British driver and his team-mate Kimi Antonelli securing a victory each.
However, opposing teams raised concerns following the recent race in China after video footage suggested Antonelli’s front wing did not fully close under braking.
Active aerodynamics under the microscope
Under the new 2026 technical regulations, cars feature active aerodynamics where front and rear wings open on designated straights before closing when the driver brakes.
The governing body mandates that the transition time between these aerodynamic states must not exceed 0.4 seconds.
Footage from the Shanghai circuit appeared to show the Italian teenager’s wing remaining partially open beyond the permitted timeframe.
The FIA has subsequently held discussions with the Silver Arrows regarding the aerodynamic mechanism.
‘No advantage’ for championship leaders
Russell, who currently holds a four-point advantage at the summit of the drivers’ standings, insists the delay is an operational flaw rather than a deliberate performance enhancement.
“It wasn’t intentional, and I don’t think it’s not an advantage, for sure,” said the current championship leader.
“It’s actually a problem, so something we’re trying to solve.”
“It isn’t a straightforward solution, but there is definitely no advantage to that because when we brake, the front wing is still open.”
“Kimi had the lock up towards the end of the race, and I think this was a contribution to the front wing, so it’s definitely not intentional.”
Wolff warns of political knives
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had already anticipated backlash, warning of political manoeuvres being aimed at his garage.
The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton remain the closest challengers to the current constructors’ leaders but have admitted they face a significant pace deficit.
In a separate development ahead of qualifying in Suzuka, the FIA has implemented a late rule tweak regarding power unit energy recovery.
The permitted energy recharge has been reduced from 9.0 megajoules to 8.0 megajoules in an effort to limit electrical clipping at the end of long straights.
Aston Martin are battling extreme engine issues and a disastrous start to the 2026 Formula 1 season ahead of engine supplier Honda’s home race in Japan.
The Silverstone-based team have failed to finish either of the opening two Grands Prix in Australia and China.
Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are currently struggling to avoid being the slowest cars in qualifying alongside newcomers Cadillac.
The primary cause of these early-season woes stems from immense vibrations generated by the radically altered 2026 power units.
Physical toll on drivers
The violent shaking effectively brought the car to a halt during pre-season testing and has severely limited track mileage.
The situation reached a critical point during the recent Chinese Grand Prix when Alonso retired after completing just 32 laps.
The two-time world champion was visibly forced to take his hands off the steering wheel on the long straights to alleviate the intense discomfort.
“We found more vibrations than any other sessions in the weekend. Physically I could not continue much longer,” said the Spaniard.
“I lost the feeling in my hands and feet. It was not a nice feeling.”
The intense mechanical feedback previously prompted legendary designer Adrian Newey to warn of potential permanent nerve damage for the drivers.
Leadership structure defended
Off the track, the struggling outfit faces mounting speculation regarding their senior management setup.
Reports recently suggested former Audi boss Jonathan Wheatley could arrive to replace Newey and assume traditional team principal duties.
However, co-owner Lawrence Stroll vehemently denied these rumours while reaffirming his commitment to the current unconventional leadership structure.
“We do things differently here, and while we don’t currently adopt the traditional team principal role that you see elsewhere – it is by design,” Stroll stated.
“As the most successful engineer in the history of the sport, Adrian’s primary focus is on the strategic and technical leadership where he excels.”
The immediate priority for the British constructor remains solving these critical unreliability issues before taking to the challenging Suzuka circuit.
Engine partners Honda are reportedly working tirelessly to find a safe mechanical solution ahead of a highly pressurised home event.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed early-season speculation linking Max Verstappen with a move to the team, reaffirming his commitment to George Russell.
Rumours had surfaced suggesting the four-time world champion could leave Red Bull following recent expressions of internal discontent.
Pundits quickly speculated that Russell could be sacrificed by the Silver Arrows to make room for the Dutchman.
Early season driver market
The Mercedes boss expressed clear frustration that driver market gossip had already ignited just weeks into the new campaign.
“The astonishing thing is that these silly rumours are already surfacing in March,” Wolff told OE24.
“It’s silly enough that you normally have to discuss these things in July.”
The Austrian executive insisted there is absolutely no valid reason to consider altering his current driving partnership.
“We have two drivers with whom we have long-term, multi-year contracts,” he added.
“I could not be happier with either of them. Both are delivering top performances.”
Pundits question Russell’s future
Despite a strong start to the season, former Formula 1 drivers Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill recently cast doubt on Russell’s job security.
The British racer currently holds a narrow four-point lead over his teenage team-mate Kimi Antonelli in the drivers’ standings.
Both Mercedes men have already secured race victories this year, highlighting the team’s competitive pace.
Speaking on the Stay On Track podcast, Herbert suggested the Red Bull star’s unhappiness could trigger a blockbuster switch.
“I’ve heard little rumours again that with Max not being very happy where he is… is he going to be taken by Mercedes, which means they are going to get rid of George,” Herbert stated.
The Antonelli factor
Hill also weighed in on the internal dynamic at Mercedes, questioning if their 19-year-old Italian prospect has already become the favoured driver.
“Kimi is Toto’s protégé, if you like. He’s put his reputation on the line to get this guy in,” Hill observed.
“So George is always temporary,” the 1996 world champion added.
Wolff remains completely resolute in his strategy and quickly shut down any imminent pursuit of the reigning champion.
“There is absolutely no reason to even consider a line-up change, or other drivers. I say this with the utmost respect for Max,” Wolff concluded.
Ferrari have reported Mercedes to motorsport’s governing body the FIA over an allegedly illegal front-wing design ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The Maranello-based outfit raised concerns after reviewing onboard footage from the recent Chinese Grand Prix.
Technical analysis suggests their championship rivals might be using a sophisticated two-phase closing mechanism to gain an aerodynamic advantage.
Silver Arrows dominate early season
The Brackley squad have enjoyed a flawless start to the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
They secured back-to-back one-two finishes in the opening rounds in Australia and China.
This early dominance under the sweeping new technical regulations has inevitably drawn intense scrutiny from the rest of the paddock.
Two-phase wing mechanism questioned
Current rules dictate that front and rear wings must complete their closing motion within a strict 400-millisecond window.
Video evidence indicates the championship leaders may be exploiting a loophole by completing this action in two distinct stages.
The initial movement occurs within the legal timeframe, allowing sensors to confirm closure before a secondary, more gradual phase eases the component into its final position.
Mounting pressure on the FIA
This is not the first time the German manufacturer has faced technical investigations this season.
Rivals previously questioned their engine compression ratio, suspecting a method to exceed the strict 16:1 limit at operating temperatures.
While they were cleared of any wrongdoing in that instance, the regulatory board intends to close the engine loophole during the August summer break.
With no official ruling yet on the aerodynamic system, the reigning race winners remain overwhelming favourites at Suzuka.