Hamilton Defends Lawson After Near-Miss: "Not the Drivers' Fault"

Lewis Hamilton has defended Liam Lawson after the Racing Bulls driver came within inches of rear-ending his Ferrari in a heart-stopping moment during Sunday's race. The seven-time champion was quick to absolve the young Kiwi of any blame, insisting the near-miss was down to circumstances rather than driver error.

Why it matters:

The incident is a reminder of how quickly races can turn on the smallest of margins. With the 2026 title fight entering its decisive phase, a high-speed collision could have had serious consequences for both drivers — and Hamilton's measured response shows the maturity that has defined his veteran campaign.

The details:

• The scare unfolded when a sudden change of pace ahead forced Lawson to brake sharply, with the Racing Bulls driver narrowly avoiding contact with the Ferrari in front.
• Hamilton's immediate reaction on team radio was to defend Lawson, stating it was "not the drivers' fault" — a gesture that defused what could have become a contentious moment.
• Both cars escaped without damage, and the stewards opted against launching an investigation.
• Root cause: Hamilton hinted that a communication gap — rather than a misjudgment from either driver — was the real culprit, with the pack compressing quicker than the teams had anticipated.

What's next:

With no penalty and no damage, both drivers can move on, but the near-miss serves as a warning that track position and awareness will be critical as the season reaches its climax.