F1: Hamilton escapes penalty for unsafe release

Lewis Hamilton has escaped a grid penalty for Sunday's German Grand Prix, but Mercedes has been fined €10,000 [$11,000] for his unsafe release during the third Formula 1 practice session.

Hamilton was investigated for an unsafe release after blocking the Haas of Romain Grosjean in the pitlane on Saturday morning. The reigning world champion could have been handed a 10-place grid drop if stewards issued Hamilton what would have been his third reprimand of the season.

Hamilton was previously reprimanded for reversing in the pitlane in Bahrain, and again in Russia for not safely returning to the track.

Stewards could have also opted for a direct grid drop, with the regulations stating "if a car is deemed to have been released in an unsafe condition during any practice session, the stewards may drop the driver such number of grid positions as they consider appropriate."

Instead, following a hearing at Hockenheim, stewards elected to fine Mercedes – which admitted fault – for the indiscretion, leaving Hamilton free to fight teammate Nico Rosberg for pole.

Originally on Autosport.com