Saudi Grand Prix qualifiers live: F1 update as Hamilton faces possible penalty from the hosts

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Hamilton uncomfortable to race in Saudi Arabia

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will look to take an important step towards the F1 title as the championship rivals battle for pole at the Saudi Grand Prix today ahead of Sunday’s race. Mercedes set the early pace in Friday’s practice sessions in Jeddah, with Hamilton leading the FP1 summit and teammate Valtteri Bottas in FP2 racing on a sinister fast track at the Corniche, but Verstappen was not far behind Red Bull. Indeed, the Dutchman was then faster on the lane in FP3 on Saturday afternoon, beating Hamilton by ten.

Hamilton shifted from pole position at the Qatar Grand Prix to cut Verstappen’s eight-point lead last time out, and a starting position similar to the penultimate race of the season could be vital on an entirely new street circuit where overtaking can be tricky. The seven-time champion was pleased with Mercedes’ pace but raised some concerns about his car’s one-lap performances, revealing more work is needed ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session.

“I’d say we’re not as fast per lap, compared to the others, but our long-term pace looked like it wasn’t too bad… Who knows what’s going on?” Hamilton said, while adding that Jeddah’s Corniche Circuit was “incredibly fast” during Friday’s practice sessions. “It’s really incredibly fast,” he said. “But if you can get the rhythm, it’s nice to drive.” Follow all the boosts and results from the live qualifiers below:

View last update 1638636662 BREAKING: No more action for Hamilton for double-waving yellow

“The on-board video clearly shows that no yellow flag was displayed, no yellow lights were displayed on that driver and the yellow warning light was not visible on the driver’s steering wheel,” the FIA ​​says.

Their ruling adds: “The Race Director has reported to Team Stewards that the double yellow flag warning on the FIA ​​Marshalling system was activated in Light Panel Number 6 in error, for less than one second.

“Unlike other accidents this year, there was no yellow flag or yellow light displayed on the driver and therefore there was no breach of regulations.”

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 16:51

1638636452BREAKING: No more Hamilton action for double-waisted yellow

The FIA ​​has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will not face any further action to not slow down during the double yellow flags.

However, there were two incidents under investigation and we still haven’t heard the verdict to stand with Mazepin.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 16:47

1638635864 Saudi Arabia GP

We’re still waiting for news of the hosts’ verdict following their investigation into Hamilton’s leadership during FP3.

Qualifiers are scheduled to begin in 20 minutes in Jeddah.

We likely didn’t find out the outcome of their investigation until after qualifying, with any potential grid penalties going into effect after that for Sunday’s race.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 16:37

1638635143 Saudi Arabia GP

Mercedes changed Valtteri Bottas’ engine before qualifying for the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia due to a fuel leak in his power unit.

Mercedes will replace the engine from their line of units so it does not face engine penalty.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 16:25

1638634791 Saudi Arabia GP

Lewis Hamilton is back in the Mercedes garage after being called up to the hosts.

He stayed there for 15 minutes.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 16:19

Hamilton summoned 1638634487 to the hosts at the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia

These are the events in question as Hamilton appeared in the way of both Gasly and Mazepin in FP3.

The FIA ​​said they were investigating the Mazepin accident, in which Hamilton was lucky not to be eliminated by Haas.

Hamilton was on a quiet ride while Gasly and Mazepin were on hot laps.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 16:14

Hamilton called up for the hosts at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Hamilton is scheduled to meet the hosts at 4pm GMT, where he will explain his version of events and find out his punishment.

The Mercedes driver allegedly failed to honor the double yellow flags in the 22nd minute of Free Practice 3 and later got into accidents with Nikita Mazepin and Pierre Gasly in the session.

The FIA ​​has also opened a separate investigation into the accident with Mazepin.

FIA racing director Michael Massey said he would speak to Mercedes about potential violations, adding that he had “not been great at all” from Hamilton.

If he is found guilty of a yellow flag violation and the net penalty is confirmed, it would be a huge blow to Mercedes and Hamilton’s hopes of winning his eighth world title at a crucial juncture of the season.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 16:04

1638633070 BREAK: Hamilton called up for Saudi Arabia Prize hosts

Lewis Hamilton faces a potential penalty after being called up to the stewards for apparently failing to honor double yellow flags during the final practice at the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.

His title rival, Max Verstappen, who leads the standings by eight points with two races remaining, was given a penalty from five places for a similar violation in the last race in Qatar.

If confirmed, it would be a huge blow to Mercedes and Hamilton’s hopes of winning their eighth world title.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 15:51

Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

Max Verstappen beat rival Lewis Hamilton for the title in the final practice session of the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday as the defending champion survived a near miss.

The Dutchman set a time of 1 minute 28.100 seconds, 0.214 seconds faster than Hamilton in second as the Briton was aiming for three straight wins as the title picture emerged.

Hamilton was prickly on the team radio when Verstappen’s fastest time was relayed to him and Nikita Mazepin’s Haas nearly wiped out his Mercedes, which was on a hot lap with Hamilton back in the pit.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 15:47

Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc has apologized to Ferrari after crashing in FP2 on Friday. Monegasque had a high-speed crash at Turn 23, which forced Ferrari to make major overhauls to get the car ready to qualify for today.

“Yes, the day unfortunately didn’t turn out the way I wanted, but overall we went through everything we wanted to experience,” Leclerc said. “I think the potential is here and if we put everything together for tomorrow we should have a good day.

“But obviously, I’m sorry for the team that will have to do a big, big job before tomorrow to get the car ready, and hopefully I can do well enough to thank them in the best possible way with a good result tomorrow.

Jimmy Braidwood Dec 4, 2021 15:42

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