Seven-time F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton was given a warning by the FIA for the on-track incident with Gabriel Bortoleto during the FP2 session at the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia. The Ferrari driver, who was on a cool-down lap, impeded the Brazilian, who was on an outlap. However, it’s not the first time this season that Hamilton has impeded a driver.
It was the second consecutive race where the Briton was investigated by the FIA for impeding a driver. The same happened last week as well in Azerbaijan, where Lewis Hamilton impeded Liam Lawson during the second practice session, but no further action was taken by the FIA.
Let’s have a look at Hamilton’s last two-year history of impeding drivers during practice sessions, and the outcome of each of these incidents.
#1 2026 Bahrain GP: Lewis Hamilton impeded Gabriel Bortoleto in FP2
24 minutes into the session, Lewis Hamilton had completed a flying lap and was on a cool-down lap when Gabriel Bortoleto, who was on an outlap, was impeded by the Briton on the entry of Turn 9.
The Audi driver found the seven-time champion on the Racing line with a closing speed of close to 100 mph. Hamilton took to the team radio after the incident and claimed his right mirror was damaged, and hence couldn’t see the approaching car. There was also no radio warning from Ferrari about the fast-approaching Audi.
Hamilton and Bortoleto were summoned by the FIA Stewards after the session; the Briton escaped with just a warning. Ferrari were fined €10,000 ($11,261).
#2 2026 Azerbaijan GP: Lewis Hamilton impeded Liam Lawson in FP2
Liam Lawson was on a hot lap during the FP2 session in Baku when Hamilton was harvesting energy in the final sector of the street circuit. The fast closing speed meant Lawson had to take avoiding action to prevent a crash.
The two drivers were summoned by the Stewards after the session, and Hamilton received a reprimand. However, the incident was more than just the Briton being on the racing line, and highlighted the flaw in the regulation, where energy harvesting and management lead to higher closing speeds.
#3 2026 Spanish GP: Multiple drivers complained about Hamilton during FP1
The first F1 race at the new circuit in Madrid took place in September. Arvid Lindblad and Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda and Nico Hulkenberg took to the team radio during the FP1 session and complained about Hamilton impeding them. However, none of the incidents were investigated by the FIA.
#4 2026 Japanese GP: Lewis Hamilton impeded Max Verstappen in FP1
Max Verstappen found Lewis Hamilton on the racing line between Turns 14 and 15 during FP1 at Suzuka. The seven-time F1 champion was in the middle of the track when the Dutchman approached. The Ferrari driver initially made a move to the left, but remained on the right side, allowing Verstappen to pass without lifting. The incident was investigated by the FIA, but no further action was taken.
#5 2025 Saudi Arabian GP: Hamilton impeded Alex Albon in FP2
In the early minutes of the FP2 session during the 2025 Saudi Arabian GP, Alex Albon, who was on a flying lap, caught up to Lewis Hamilton as the duo approached Turn 17.
The seven-time F1 champion was on the racing line, and Albon was forced to abandon his flying lap. The incident was investigated after the session. No further action was taken by the Stewards.
#6 2025 Austrian GP: Hamilton warned after impeding Kimi Antonelli in FP2
Lewis Hamilton was frustrated with the pace of the SF25 during FP1 in Austria. Just moments later, Kimi Antonelli found the Briton on the racing line going into Turn 4, and had to take evasive action to prevent an incident.
The same was noted by the FIA, and the drivers were summoned. Since Antonelli had to take evasive action, Hamilton received a warning, but escaped getting a grid penalty.
Read More: Explained: Why Lewis Hamilton escaped a penalty for impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during the F1 Bahrain GP FP2
Read More: 2026 F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia Day 1: Key Takeaways
