Hamilton urges FIA action after Baku near-miss with Lawson

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has called for clearer FIA guidance on closing speeds after a high-speed near-miss with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson in second practice at Baku on 24 September 2026. In post-session remarks reported by RacingNews365 and RACER, Hamilton argued that drivers should use full power through Turns 18 and 19 even when otherwise completing a slow lap. That is his proposed remedy, not a confirmed rule change. [1] [6]

According to RACER, Hamilton said he initially believed a gap of about four seconds was sufficient. He wanted drivers to receive more precise information about how quickly another car could catch them when the two cars had different amounts of power available. His estimate of the gap has not been checked against telemetry. [6]

Reprimand alongside safety concerns

RACER, The Race and Sky Sport Italia report that Hamilton received a reprimand for impeding Lawson. According to The Race, the stewards considered the obstruction severe despite finding no intention to block him. Energy-management difficulties raised by both drivers were taken into account when deciding the sanction; the reported absence of intent did not remove the impeding finding. [6] [8] [9]

There were already traffic instructions for the final sector, according to RACER and The Race. The latter reports that drivers on slow laps were told to keep left on the approach to Turn 18 and manage their gaps to avoid being caught through the following bends. The publications describe different corner ranges, and the available FIA document extract does not contain the relevant wording. [2] [6] [8]