Explained: Why Lewis Hamilton mistakenly gave away track position in Brazil

Lewis Hamilton unnecessarily surrendered a position to Oliver Bearman during the São Paulo Grand Prix after the Ferrari driver was investigated for leaving the track and gaining an advantage during an overtaking manoeuvre.

The seven-time F1 drivers' champion was battling with his compatriot during the opening lap of the race at Interlagos when the pair went wheel-to-wheel through Turn 5.

Hamilton attempted to overtake Bearman around the outside but was forced beyond the track limits as the Haas driver defended his position.

Despite completing the move, Hamilton subsequently handed the place back to Bearman while the incident was under investigation a few laps later, seemingly to avoid the possibility of receiving a time penalty.

However, the stewards ultimately determined that Hamilton had done nothing wrong and was entitled to retain the position, meaning his decision to relinquish it had been in error.

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Why Hamilton escaped punishment

The incident was investigated for a potential breach of Article B1.8.6 of the FIA F1 Regulations and Appendix L of the International Sporting Code, relating to leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

After examining onboard footage, the stewards concluded that Bearman's defensive manoeuvre had left Hamilton with no option but to run off the circuit to avoid contact.

Crucially, they also determined that Hamilton already had enough momentum to complete the overtake, meaning he had not gained an unfair advantage by exceeding the track limits.

In their official decision, the stewards explained: "The Stewards reviewed in-car video evidence and determined that Car 44 was attempting an overtake on Car 87 at Turn 5.

"In defending the position, Car 87 moved to the right and Car 44 was pushed off the track to avoid a collision.

"Car 44 clearly had the momentum for the overtake and gained no advantage by going off the track.

"We also noted that the position was subsequently given back by Car 44. We therefore took no further action."

Although the stewards acknowledged that Hamilton had returned the position, their findings established that the original overtake itself had been legitimate.

Consequently, Hamilton's attempt to avoid a potential penalty instead cost him track position that he was under no obligation to surrender.