Formula 1 has rejected Lewis Hamilton's suggestion to require maximum energy deployment through Turns 18 and 19 at Baku following his dangerous near-miss with Liam Lawson during practice. Hamilton proposed the change during his stewards hearing to reduce speed differentials that create closing speeds of 50 kilometers per hour between cars on different run types.
The Ferrari driver suggested that cars on push laps should use full power until after Turn 19, then reset their energy systems for the main straight. This would eliminate slow-moving cars in the high-speed section where drivers struggle to judge gaps while running without maximum deployment.
Teams rejected the proposal after it was discussed in Thursday night's drivers briefing, arguing it was too late in the weekend to implement such dramatic changes to energy deployment patterns. The revision would have required teams to restart their battery preparations with only one practice session remaining before qualifying.
Race director Rui Marques has instructed drivers on out-laps to stay well off the racing line between Turns 16 and 18, but the fundamental speed differential problem created by current energy regulations remains unresolved.