mwillems wrote: ↑26 Oct 2024, 09:06
Being ahead doesn't mean the overtake is over and complete.
Last year at Singapore Hamilton got past Lando to make the apex of a corner having totally cleared Lando. He then used the run off at the next corner after and was deemed to be gaining an advantage when he was the overtake looked way more complete than Landos did.
That one worked in Landos favour. So with that lens, this situation was cut and dry gaining an advantage.
It seems the drivers have planned to discuss the application of the rules, so hopefully it will be looked at, but the stewards call was correct as it is today.
Are you talking about the race start?
In Singapore 2023 Hamilton got the jump on Norris at the start but then was forced off by his teammate Russell after T1, then Hamilton steamed ahead off track around the bollard to join in front of Norris. Runoff at the next corner was 10 meters after T1 - just so everyone is clear. It's not like there was a straight.
The overtake was closer to being complete but at race start, you have to make the corner, being on the outside (and attacker on Russell) by these rules would mean he has to yield and slot behind Russell which would then allow Norris to have a go at him. By going off full speed he stopped Norris from having that opportunity. Maybe a bit harsh on Hamilton but it's no where near a clear situation during the race where two cars fight.
Only reason Max got to the apex first is because he was late on his brakes. This should not allow anyone to force people wide. While I disagree with that rule, this is the current rule. Problem with this situation was that Max was not making the corner, by not making the corner he forced Norris off. Norris did not gain an advantage on Max as Max was behind Norris at corner entry and on a tigher line. It was a done overtake if he was allowed space on the outside.