Hamilton summoned to the stewards for two infringements in FP3!

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With a little over an hour to go before qualifying, Lewis Hamilton has been summoned to the stewards for an alleged double-yellow flag infringement in FP3.

The violation relates to Appendix H. Art. 2.5.5.b) of the FIA International Sporting Code, or "not respecting double waved yellow flags/lights" that were displayed in a sector between Turns 8 and 11 in Saturday's final practice session bet

Hamilton and a representative of Mercedes were summoned to the stewards' office at 19:00 local time, or one hour ahead of qualifying.

Based on the precedent set by Max Verstappen in Qatar, the alleged violation is a worrying development for Hamilton.

2021 Saudi Arabian GP Free Practice 3 - Results

At Losail, the Red Bull driver was hit with a five-spot grid penalty. Such a sanction could wreak havoc on Hamilton's chances in Sunday's race, regardless of where he qualifies, due to Jeddah's layout where overtaking will not be easy.

However, officials have been in the habit lately of taking their time to rule on an infraction. Such was the case for Verstappen in Qatar, with the sanction related to the infringement in qualifying communicated just an hour before the start of Sunday's race.

In Saturday's final practice, Hamilton found himself moving dangerously slowly in the path of two drivers, Pierre Gasly and Nikita Mazepin, who just nearly avoided a collision with the Mercedes driver as they exited one of Jeddah's blind corners.

Over the radio, the Briton blamed his team for not informing him in a timely matter of the two fast approaching cars.

However, the incident involving Mazepin compelled the stewards to issue a second summons twenty minutes after the first.

"Alleged breach of Article 31.5 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, at Turn 8 at 17:39," read the summons from the stewards.

Unless Mercedes provides the FIA with mitigating factors, which appears unlikely in the Mazepin case, it's hard to see how Hamilton wont be found guilty of at least one infraction.

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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.