The F1 Belgian Grand Prix stewards issued a warning to Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) who refused a medical check following a contact accident with Fernando Alonso (Alpine) following the final race on Sunday, August 28.
The stewards also said they would not hesitate to impose tougher penalties if such behavior by F1 drivers continues.
In the 44-lap race, Hamilton collided with Alonso on the inside as he turned in at Les Combes (Turn 5) on the opening lap. The No. 44 Mercedes W13 floated in the air and hit the road hard when it fell. Hamilton was forced to retire.
Stewards said the impact was so severe that the car’s medical warning light came on. This means a mandatory medical check at the medical center.
However, according to race director Niels Witig, Hamilton refused to be checked at the medical centre. In response, a four-member ground jury, including Tim Mayer, issued a warning to Hamilton.
The stewards said Hamilton was not the first driver to refuse a medical check this season, and the stewards cautioned all drivers that stricter measures might be taken in the future.
