FIA analysis proves Hamilton did not brake-test Vettel

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Telemetry data pulled from Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes W08 by the FIA stewards conclusively prove that the Brit did not brake-test Sebastian Vettel or lift off unexpectedly .

Vettel was handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty during the Azerbaijan GP and given three penalty points on his licence for 'dangerous driving' after venting his anger by ramming Hamilton.

Vettel later refuted claims of 'dangerous driving' , insisting that it was the Mercedes driver who had acted inappropriately.

"Well we know the leader dictates the pace but we were exiting the corner," said Vettel.

"He was accelerating then he braked so much that I was braking as soon as I saw, but I couldn't stop in time and ran into the back of him. I just think that wasn't necessary."

Vettel refutes 'dangerous driving' charge

But evidence provided by the stewards contradicts the German's conviction.

"The Stewards examined video evidence which showed that car 5 drove alongside and then steered into car 44. The Stewards decide this manoeuvre was deemed potentially dangerous."

Telemetry data collected from Hamilton's car further corroborated the evidence, proving that the driver had behaved in exactly the same way in the first Safety Car restart.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.