Shanghai: Lewis Hamilton is being investigated by Formula One's governing body for his role in an accident during his victory in last week's Japanese Grand Prix.
FIA said on Thursday it was looking into "new evidence" concerning Hamilton's driving behind the safety car in the rain-soaked race at the Fuji Speedway. Hamilton is said to have sped up and slowed down, causing Red Bull driver Mark Webber and Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel to collide behind him on the 46th lap.
Many cars were trying to keep the heat up in their tires by accelerating and slowing or swerving from side to side. The win extended Hamilton's lead in the drivers' standings to 12 points over McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton was questioned by FIA about the incident on Thursday in Shanghai, site of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend. FIA is expected to announce its decision on Friday.
Hamilton could be penalised grid positions in Sunday's race, where he was in position to clinch the title and become the first rookie driver to win the F1 championship.
Webber and Vettel spoke at a news conference on Thursday. Webber said he felt Hamilton was slowing and speeding up behind the safety car, which would hamper the drivers behind him, especially with the water spray affecting visibility.
"It definitely contributed to Sebastian hitting me up the back," Webber said.
Vettel made note of the conditions.
"In the end it was my fault for crashing into Mark's car, so I'm not here to blame anybody but I think it's clear that the rhythm was not there," Vettel said.
"In the end we are all sitting in the same boat," Vettel said. "It's raining, there is a safety car for a long time and it's quite complicated to keep the temperatures in the brakes and avoid glazing them."
Hamilton did not attend the news conference and was unavailable for comment after the investigation was announced.
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