Hamilton escapes penalty after mix-up

Hamilton crashed heavily at Turn Seven towards the end of the second practice session. He was uninjured in the crash and was able to climb out of the car unaided.

However, the accident data recorder in his McLaren had recorded a G-force above that at which a driver must immediately attend the circuit's medical centre for precautionary checks.

With the high impact having triggered a number of warning lights on the car, Hamilton was not aware of the need for a trip to the medical centre.

Furthermore, the marshal who brought Hamilton back to the paddock on a motorbike was also not told about the need to take Hamilton to the medical centre, so he returned him to the pits.

As soon as Hamilton arrived back at the team, he was informed about the mix-up and he was dispatched to the medical centre.

He was subsequently given the all-clear by medical, and the stewards, after looking into the matter, felt that no action was necessary.

A statement issued by the stewards said: "After a discussions between driver number 22, Lewis Hamilton and the stewards regarding his required attendance at the medical centre...the stewards have decided that no further action is required."

Hamilton said after the session that he was confident the crash would not hurt his chances of a good result this weekend.

"Obviously the car was quite badly damaged but the team will do a good job to fix it," he said. "I apologised to the guys but this is racing, that's is what happens when you are trying to find the limits.

"Tomorrow's another day and I think we've got a good car so I feel quite comfortable."