Here's the thing about modern Formula 1 machinery: sometimes the rules put the drivers in impossible positions, as Crash.net reports from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix paddock. During second practice at Baku, Lewis Hamilton found himself caught up in a heart-stopping near-miss with Liam Lawson through the flat-out left and right handers leading onto the main straight.
The incident unfolded as the Ferrari driver was harvesting energy in the final sector on an out-lap, while Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson roared up behind him on a hot lap. Lawson had to take immediate evasive action and let his fury be known instantly over team radio, shouting that the moment was dangerously close. The stewards quickly summoned both drivers for an investigation.
Giving his side of the story, the seven-time world champion insisted that no driver ever sets out to block another competitor on track. The root of the trouble, according to the veteran, lies squarely with the 2026 power unit regulations. When starting an out-lap and rounding the final corner, the car lacks battery deployment completely, running solely on the internal combustion engine and losing something like 500bhp.
Hamilton explained that he judged himself to be four seconds ahead and believed the margin was sufficient. Once he got on the power approaching Turn 18, the speed deficit was massive and there was simply nowhere to escape. He pointed out that the FIA's rulebook decisions at the start of the year created this predicament, stressing that it is fundamentally not the drivers' fault.
Facing the stewards afterward was described by the Ferrari driver as an unpleasant interrogation room experience with roughly six people present, though he maintained respect for their fair approach. With the incident under scrutiny, he noted that it highlights necessary guidelines to potentially change.
Looking ahead, the discussion is heading straight to the drivers' briefing. One proposal on the table is to allow maximum power all the way through corners 18 and 19 before resetting the battery power, ensuring drivers on slow laps must go full gas and stay completely out of harms way. Whether a penalty lands or not, the garage expects an interesting conversation as everyone works to prevent a repeat performance.
