Franco Colapinto summoned by stewards after near-miss with Lewis Hamilton in Australian GP practice

Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto has been summoned to the stewards at the Australian Grand Prix following a near-collision with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during second practice. The incident, where Colapinto's slowing car remained on the racing line, is under investigation for a potential breach of driving regulations.

Why it matters:

A driver traveling significantly slower than the racing speed on the main straight presents one of the most dangerous scenarios in Formula 1. These investigations set precedents for driver responsibility when dealing with car issues and enforce the critical safety principle of clearing the racing line whenever possible.

The details:

• The incident occurred early in FP2 at Albert Park. Colapinto's Alpine A526 appeared to lose drive exiting the final corner, forcing him to coast down the main straight at a very slow speed.
• Staying on Line: Crucially, the Argentine driver did not move off the racing line as his car slowed, creating a major hazard for cars approaching at high speed.
• Hamilton's Close Call: Lewis Hamilton, on a fast lap, spotted the nearly stationary Alpine just in time, taking evasive action to avoid a high-speed crash. He later radioed his team to report a car going "crazy slow."
• Official Summons: The stewards are investigating Colapinto for an alleged breach of Article B1.8.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations, which covers "driving unnecessarily slowly, erratically, or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers."

What's next:

The stewards will now deliberate, considering all available data and radio communications. A key factor will be determining whether Colapinto, given his apparent loss of drive, could have reasonably been expected to move his car off the racing line. The outcome, likely a reprimand or potentially a grid penalty, will be announced before final practice.

• This ruling will be closely watched by all teams, as it clarifies the expectations for drivers experiencing sudden mechanical failures during sessions.
• For Colapinto, avoiding a penalty will be crucial for his weekend, as any grid drop would significantly hinder his chances in only his third Grand Prix start.