Hamilton keeps German GP win following FIA investigation

Lewis Hamilton has avoided any serious penalties from an FIA investigation following a pit entry breach and will keep his victory at the German Grand Prix.

Hamilton's victory at Hockenheim came under threat after FIA race stewards summoned him over a possible breach of the FIA International Sporting Code while crossing the line between pit entry and the race track.

After an investigation which lasted around an hour, the Mercedes driver avoided any major penalties but was handed his first reprimand of the season for the incident.

Hamilton had charged from 14th on the grid to take a stunning victory during a wet-dry race, reclaiming the lead of the F1 drivers' championship as title rival Sebastian Vettel crashed out of the race.

Hamilton opted to stay out on Ultrasoft tyres during a late Safety Car period, but bailed out of pitting at the last possible moment, crossing the grass to rejoin the start-finish straight. He went on to finish four seconds clear of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

In the official FIA release revealed both video and audio evidence was provided from Hamilton and Mercedes which showed the British driver had “clearly crossed the line separating the pit entry from the track”.

However, Hamilton avoided any time penalty for the incident due to the team openly admitting there was confusion between Mercedes and its driver, which was heard over the team radio, that the incident took place behind the Safety Car and the slower speeds and the relative lack of danger throughout the incident.

With Hamilton retaining his German GP win it confirms he takes a 17-point lead from Hockenheim over Vettel while Mercedes also retakes the F1 world constructors' championship from Ferrari by eight points.