Stewards rule Hamilton did not need to give Bearman the place back

Lewis Hamilton gave Oliver Bearman a position at Interlagos that the stewards later ruled he was entitled to keep. On the opening lap of the São Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton tried to pass Bearman around the outside at Turn 5. The stewards said Bearman moved right in defence, leaving Hamilton no option but to run off the circuit to avoid contact.

After reviewing onboard footage, the stewards concluded Hamilton already had enough momentum to complete the overtake and gained no unfair advantage by going off track. Hamilton nevertheless returned the place a few laps later, while the incident was under investigation, seemingly to avoid a possible time penalty.

The stewards noted that Hamilton had already returned the position and took no further action. By then, he had surrendered a place he was under no obligation to give up.