After the end of the first day of the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the stewards reviewed the events that unfolded. After a thorough analysis of the evidence and hearing Lewis Hamilton’s account, they reached the following conclusion: “Car 2 (Sargeant) was forced off the track to avoid a collision. Failure to act would have resulted in a serious high-speed accident.
Upon reviewing the team’s radio communications, it became evident that car 44’s team did not notify their driver of car 2 approaching on a fast lap. This negligence on the part of the team is particularly concerning given the high speeds on this circuit and the challenging nature of turn 11, which is situated at the end of a series of high-speed corners where the driver’s visibility is compromised. As a result, the stewards issued a warning to the driver and imposed a €15,000 fine on the team.”
The incident occurred during FP2, when Hamilton was unaware of Sargeant’s rapid approach at turn 11, with the Mercedes occupying the racing line. After discussions with both drivers after the session, the stewards determined that Mercedes did not inform Hamilton of the Williams car’s high-speed approach. The presence of Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari further complicated the situation. Sargeant’s skillful maneuver avoided a collision with the wall.
A video captured the intense moment when Logan Sargeant narrowly avoided a potentially dangerous situation.
