STEWARDS RULED HAMILTON “GAINED NO ADVANTAGE” BY PASSING BEARMAN OFF-TRACK

Hamilton took Bearman off-track on the opening lap at Interlagos, gave the spot back seven laps later, and walked away without a penalty. The stewards ruled the seven-time champion had the momentum to complete the pass at Descida do Lago and was forced wide by Bearman's defensive move — no advantage gained. The fact that Hamilton surrendered the position anyway sealed it.

The decision hinges on two points: Hamilton was pushed off while already alongside, and he clearly had the pace to make the move stick. Bearman had gone off earlier in the lap at Curva do Sol, leaving him vulnerable. The stewards cited precedent — Tsunoda forced Norris off in Abu Dhabi last year without penalty — though that case didn't involve a position swap.

It's a textbook no-action call when the driver gives it back. The real question is whether Hamilton needed to. The ruling suggests he didn't, but teams rarely gamble on a five-second penalty when a quick swap costs nothing.