FIA announce LATE investigation for F1 star at Abu Dhabi after DRAMA between…read more
The FIA has initiated a late investigation into an unnamed Formula 1 driver following the qualifying session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This development adds another twist to an already eventful day at Yas Marina Circuit, where McLaren stole the spotlight with an extraordinary front-row lockout.
Lando Norris delivered a stellar performance, securing pole position for the season finale. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, followed closely in second, cementing McLaren’s advantage over Ferrari in their battle for second place in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz managed to qualify third, keeping the Scuderia in contention. However, the pressure remains high as the final race could determine their standings.
For Sainz’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, the session was a nightmare. The Monegasque driver saw his fastest lap time invalidated due to a track-limits violation. To make matters worse, he received a 10-place grid penalty for a separate infraction, relegating him to start in 20th place. Ferrari now faces a monumental task to challenge McLaren’s stronghold in the standings.
Mercedes also endured a challenging session. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, faced an uncharacteristically poor qualifying performance. He struck a bollard during his final Q1 flying lap, damaging his car and failing to progress beyond the first session. This marked a rare and disappointing early exit for the veteran driver. Meanwhile, George Russell performed marginally better, securing a mid-grid position, but Mercedes’ overall performance fell far short of expectations.
Qualifying was further disrupted by a freak incident earlier in the day, causing an unexpected delay. While the details of the incident remain unclear, the pause forced teams to quickly adapt their strategies.
The FIA’s investigation, announced late on Saturday, has sparked significant speculation. While officials have not disclosed the driver or the specifics of the incident under review, the probe adds another layer of intrigue to the weekend. With the final race of the 2023 season just hours away, the potential ramifications of the investigation could significantly impact the race outcome.
As the curtain closes on the 2023 Formula 1 season, tensions are running high. Teams and drivers are eager to finish on a strong note, but the investigation and on-track drama promise to keep fans on edge until the very end.
