Lewis Hamilton has received an official warning from the FIA after refusing to visit the Medical Centre after his opening-lap Belgian Grand Prix crash. Starting fourth alongside former teammate Fernando Alonso, Hamilton attempted to drive around the outside of Les Combes on the opening lap. Alonso collected the rear-right corner of the Mercedes, launching it high into the air before it crashed hard back to the ground. Fluids quickly leaked from the damaged car as Hamilton crawled around, being swallowed up by the pack. Race engineer Peter Bennington told Hamilton to "stop, stop", with the seven-time World Champion pulling over at Blanchimont on Lap 1. A Safety Car was then called on Lap 2 following a separate incident for Valtteri Bottas and Nicholas Latifi.
Hamilton warned by the stewards
It is mandatory for F1 drivers to visit the Medical Centre for a check-up following any incident which triggers the onboard g-sensors. However, an FIA bulletin stated that "Hamilton refused to visit the event Medical Service following his crash on Lap 1 where the Medical Warning Light threshold was exceeded." After being warned of further penalty if he did not present himself, Hamilton subsequently did attend the Medical Centre, receiving an all-clear. "This is not the first time this season that drivers (not Hamilton) have initially refused to go for medical check," continued the stewards. "The stewards issue a warning in this case, with a reminder to all drivers that stronger action may be taken in the future." Hamilton's teammate, George Russell, finished fourth, with Alonso fifth. Hamilton is now sixth in the standings on 146 points, 24 behind Russell in fifth.
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Hamilton gets airborne in the clash with Alonso 👀 The Mercedes driver has damage and his team tell him to stop. Hamilton is out of the race. #BelgianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/HGrde2u5BN — Formula 1 (@F1) August 28, 2022
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