Hamilton didn't leave a gap - Max was accelerating around him trying to get ahead before Hamilton could turn in - unfortunately for him, he didn't get far enough to "claim" it. That's what the stewards meant when they said he started the move too late. If he had been able to drive around the outside level with Hamilton, he'd have had the corner. But he came around the outside from behind after Hamilton had focussed in to the chicane. Ergo, he was too late to make the move.
It's a fine line, admittedly, between the two situations but that's why they get paid the big bucks.
I think Danny decided he didn't want to get involved with a title race driver and so stayed out of the way. Norris was very careful near Hamilton behind them too, doubtless for the same reason. No doubt both had been reminded by their team before the race started - "don't take out one of the two title leaders as we don't need the hassle and public outcry focussed on us".
If you are more fortunate than others, build a larger table not a taller fence.
