FIA stewards issue warning to Liam Lawson, point retained

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson has retained a championship point after receiving a formal warning from Formula 1 stewards for his late defensive move against Isack Hadjar during Saturday's British Grand Prix Sprint race at Silverstone. The stewards investigated the incident but opted against a time penalty following a hearing that included both drivers.

The incident occurred on the penultimate lap as Lawson defended eighth place from the charging Red Bull of Hadjar. On the approach to the high-speed Stowe corner, Lawson moved to the inside as Hadjar attempted a pass. Hadjar reacted over team radio, calling the move "crazy" and alleging Lawson had moved under braking. The stewards' report described Lawson's action as an "abnormal change of direction."

In the subsequent hearing, Lawson argued he was still at full throttle and had not begun braking, framing his movement as part of his deceleration and preparation for the corner rather than a move under braking. Crucially, Hadjar supported this view, telling stewards that while the move was sharp, Lawson had left sufficient room and avoided contact. Hadjar stated the incident did not merit a penalty, citing the different energy...