Rivals slam Hamilton for 'dangerous' impeding in Spanish GP FP1

Lewis Hamilton drew sharp criticism from several rivals after impeding them during first practice at the Spanish Grand Prix, with frustrated drivers branding the Ferrari man's actions "dangerous" over team radio.

Why it matters:

Practice traffic has become one of the season's most contentious issues. With the field separated by mere tenths under F1's new-generation regulations, a single disrupted flying lap can derail a driver's entire weekend setup work. When a seven-time world champion is the one causing the disruption, the debate over track etiquette only intensifies.

The details:

• Multiple drivers encountered Hamilton running at reduced speed while on their push laps around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
• The frustration was immediate and vocal, with several radio messages describing the situation as "dangerous" and questioning his situational awareness.
• Where it happened: The incidents occurred in the high-speed middle sector, where closing speeds between a slow car and a driver on a qualifying simulation are at their most severe.
• No formal probe: The stewards opted not to open an investigation, but the matter is expected to be raised in the drivers' briefing ahead of FP2.
• Hamilton, now in his second season with Ferrari, has historically been an outspoken advocate for safer practice procedures — making the complaints particularly pointed.

What's next:

Expect renewed calls for clearer traffic management protocols when drivers meet ahead of FP2. For Hamilton, the most effective response will come on track: a strong qualifying performance would quickly shift the narrative and put the focus back on his pace rather than his positioning.