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Hadjar learns verdict on FIA investigation after alleged practice start breach

Photo: Race Pictures

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06:25, 14 Mar

Updated: 07:20, 14 Mar

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byHenry Eccles

Isack Hadjar has learned the outcome of the FIA's investigation into his alleged practice start breach following the Chinese GP Sprint.

Hadjar had a tough sprint race, starting P10, the Frenchman dropped to P15 following a collision with Kimi Antonelli.

For that incident, Antonelli received a ten-second penalty during the race, and finished P5 from a P2 start, but Hadjar was also under investigation for a separate incident.

The stewards rule on Hadjar's practice start

The stewards have only issued a warning for Hadjar, after looking at the video and in-car evidence.

The FIA's full statement reads: "The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 6 (Isack Hadjar), team representative, and looked at the video and in-car video evidence.

"The Race Director’s Competition Notes (Document 31) make it clear that:

“Cars NOT wishing to perform a practice start should leave the pit lane and MUST cross the white line separating the Pit Exit Road from the track at the earliest opportunity and join the “normal” racing line.”

"Car 6 did not do that. It crossed the white lane partially with the remaining part of the car straddling the line and the Pit Exit Road and was therefore in breach.

"The driver explained that it was a mistake on his part and he was confused by the various lines on track.

"What happened did not pose a danger to either the cars performing the practice starts or any car on the track although it had the potential to do so – hence the instructions in the competition notes.

"In keeping with precedents for similar incidents in the past, we therefore issued a warning to the driver."

Hamilton reveals Mercedes 'party mode' pace that Ferrari cannot match

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton has reacted to his P3 Sprint finish, and revealed the secrets of Mercedes' blistering speed ahead of the Ferraris.

In his post-race interview, Hamilton explained Mercedes have a clear pace advantage on the straights, and in the press conference, further emphasised where Ferrari and co. are falling behind.

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