Hamilton escapes penalty for Russell incident in Q2
The seven-time world champion was called to see the stewards after qualifying after he was noted for leaving the track and rejoining in a potentially unsafe manner following an off during Q2.
The Mercedes driver was seen running wide at Raidillon and rejoined directly ahead of Russell, who was forced to back off.
Explaining their verdict, the stewards noted: "Hamilton explained that he had been warned of the approach of Bottas and moved out of the way. Russell explained that he had the same warning but moved out of the way later. He also explained he was on the same program as Hamilton, he was fully aware of what Hamilton was doing and that at no point was the manoeuvre unsafe."
The incident ultimately had no bearing on Mercedes’ qualifying as both Hamilton and Russell safely reached Q3, before qualifying fourth and eighth respectively.
Williams' Alex Albon was handed a reprimand for a similar incident in Q1.
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