Overview
- Hamilton is under investigation for allegedly impeding Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto on the run to Turn 9 during second practice at Sepang on Friday, and Bortoleto complained about the move over team radio.
- Race control confirmed the stewards will review the FP2 incident after the session concluded, formally triggering a steward hearing rather than an immediate on‑track sanction.
- Hamilton told his team he could not see through his right mirror during the lap, and he has linked the encounter to the 2026 engine regulations that can create uneven power and unclear closing gaps between cars.
- Because the incident occurred in free practice, FIA guidance means stewards commonly issue reprimands or warnings and are more likely to target teams with fines if late or inadequate radio messaging is judged to be the root cause.
- The Sepang probe is the latest in a three‑week run of blocking complaints involving Hamilton, including a recent reprimand in Baku, and it could increase pressure on the FIA to give clearer rules on minimum gaps and radio protocols during mixed‑pace running.