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The Belgian Grand Prix stewards have warned Lewis Hamilton for his apparent initial refusal of a medical check following his collision with Fernando Alonso – and hinted at stronger penalties if Formula 1 drivers continue to do this.
Hamilton’s car was sent airborne and landed heavily after contact with Alonso caused by Hamilton turning in when he tried to pass the Alpine around the outside at Les Combes.
He was able to continue briefly but stopped the car later around the lap and retired.
Hamilton gets airborne in the clash with Alonso 👀
The Mercedes driver has damage and his team tell him to stop. Hamilton is out of the race. #BelgianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/HGrde2u5BN
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 28, 2022
The impact with the ground was so violent it triggered the medical warning light, which mandates a check for the driver at the medical centre.
Race director Niels Wittich reported Hamilton to the stewards for allegedly refusing to visit the medical centre until the team was told that further action could be taken if he did not.
According to the stewards, “this is not the first time this season that drivers (not Hamilton) have initially refused to go for a medical check”.
They have issued a warning to Hamilton but also taken the opportunity to remind all drivers “that stronger action may be taken in the future”.
Hamilton joked he almost broke his back in the landing but said he did not feel any pain and just expected to feel sore in the morning.
