Lewis Hamilton learns stewards' verdict after key Max Verstappen testimony

Lewis Hamilton has been cleared by the stewards at the Japanese Grand Prix, thanks to the words of Max Verstappen following an incident with his fellow F1 champion during first practice at Suzuka.

The old adversaries met as they approached the famous 130R towards the end of the opening practice session.

The Ferrari driver was noted and then investigated by the FIA for allegedly driving unnecessarily slowly, erratically, or in a manner that is potentially dangerous to other drivers.

However, the onboard footage from the Red Bull cockpit showed what initially appeared to be a simple misunderstanding between the pair, with Hamilton attempting to get out of the way of the RB22.

The stewards concurred, with Verstappen's testimony key.

A stewards' document read: "Having reviewed video and team radio, the stewards find that the driver of car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), who had been given no warning from the team of the approach of car 3 (Max Verstappen), was travelling in the middle of the track between Turn 14 and Turn 15.

"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.

"Car 3 approached with a significant speed differential but was able to pass car 44 without being required to brake, lift, or deviate from its intended racing line.

"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.

"The stewards also took into account that, through his team representative, the driver of car 3 said that the situation was not considered dangerous from his perspective.

"Consistent with the position taken with respect to incidents of this type in free practice sessions where an alleged impeding is not considered dangerous or potentially so, the Stewards determined to take no further action."