The tension is high in Qatar, where the stewards again bow on Friday morning whether the ‘right to review’ requested by Mercedes. Yesterday the representatives of Mercedes and Red Bull met the stewards. It was up to Mercedes to provide new evidence regarding the incident between Max Vertappen and Lewis Hamilton on lap 48 of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Mercedes believes that Verstappen deliberately drove his rival Hamilton off the track and wants a penalty for the Dutchman. The knives have been sharpened with this, because a penalty could (could) have a direct effect on the title fight, in which it is unprecedentedly exciting.
The stewards are expected to make a decision today whether Mercedes is entitled to a ‘right to review’. This requires significant and innovative evidence. If the stewards grant Mercedes the right, the German team will immediately protest the assessment of the incident.
If the stewards decide that there is not enough evidence, Verstappen can breathe a sigh of relief and the right to review will not be granted. With that, the matter is settled.
It is not yet clear what time the stewards will issue a statement. We will of course keep you informed directly from the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
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