Formula 1’s stewards did not have Max Verstappen’s forward-facing onboard camera available when looking at his close call with Lewis Hamilton in Brazil.
Verstappen led the grand prix at Interlagos when he was challenged by Hamilton on the run to Descida do Lago on lap 48.
Hamilton adopted the outside line but as he turned into the corner Verstappen was still on the apex, and both had to utilise the run-off on the exit of the turn.
At that moment the angle from Verstappen’s car being broadcast was the rear-facing one.
The other cameras available were the trackside cameras, a helicopter shot and the forward-facing onboard from Hamilton’s car.
Verstappen remained ahead and stewards noted the incident but opted against launching a full investigation.
Hamilton went on to pass Verstappen for the lead 11 laps later.
Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi affirmed that the decision was made without Verstappen’s forward-facing camera and conceded it was “potentially” a crucial piece of information but that “we didn’t have access to it.”
He outlined that “all the angles we don’t get live” will be obtained from Formula 1’s broadcast crew and “we’ll have a look at them.”
These include Verstappen’s forward-facing onboard and the 360-degree camera on the RB16B.
When suggested the call was inconsistent compared to other cases this year Masi retorted: “I disagree that it is inconsistent. If you look at it, as I’ve said many times before, you judge the incident on its merits, and you have a look at all of it.
“Let’s not forget we have the overall ‘let them race principle’, and looking at it all, with the angles we had available, that was the philosophy that was adopted.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed frustration at the situation not being investigated and believed Verstappen’s actions warraned a time sanction.
Having watched the replay over again I would agree with Michael Massi in his comments regarding no forward facing camera views available. However surely Redbull and the FIA have so much data being transmitted to the pit wall and their control centre the movement or lack of it will be available. Would Mercedes be able to request this?
If you look at the freeze frames that are on the net, of the 2 cars from the helicopter you can see that Lewis’ tires are pointing left, Max’s are not they are pointing straight/slightly right which would tell you he purposely push Lewis right. He need to face punishment for his action or he will think he can get away with murder. If he had been punished for he illegal actions he wouldn’t be leading the championship.
What comes around, goes around. If Hamilton had been penalized for nearly killing Max a few months ago, Verstappen would have an even bigger lead.
The only thing more desperate than Mercedes themselves are Mercedes fans.
I guess max didn’t drop his car on
Lewis head after that then got out and walked away! Or u conveniently forgot that smh.the season has been highly competitive but looking at that video footage u can’t honestly say that max tried to turn that corner properly