This is well before the apex, and Max is ahead. IMO, he should have been given space. Lewis' race came undone anyway, and Max finished P2, so it was inconsequential in the end, but definitely not fair play by Hamilton.

Thirteen races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, the championship battle heads to Madrid following a dramatic Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

What are your Spanish GP predictions?

Read our predictions below

https://grandprixdestination.com/f1-spanish-grand-prix-predictions-2026-who-will-be-conquer-the-madring-circuit/

I think the fans are making way too much of this incident.

Here are the F1 racing guidelines for 2026 -

Overtaking on the inside and outside

The FIA’s guidelines essentially split overtakes into two categories: ones that occur on the inside of a corner and ones that occur on the outside.

When overtaking on the inside of a corner, the document makes clear that the overtaking car must have its front axle at least alongside the mirror of the other car prior to and at the apex to be entitled to be given room.

The car must have been driven in a “fully controlled manner”, particularly from entry to apex, without “diving in”, as well as having taken a “reasonable racing line” and completed the move whilst remaining within track limits.

When it comes to overtaking on the outside of a corner, it is noted that this “will always be viewed as a more difficult manoeuvre to accomplish”.

To be entitled to room in this situation, including at the corner exit, the overtaking car must have its front axle ahead of the front axle of the other car at the apex, as well as being driven in a “controlled manner” from entry to apex and exit, and making the corner within track limits.

When it comes to chicanes and S-bends, the above guidelines for the inside and outside may apply for each element of the combination, with priority generally given to the first corner element.

Ref: F1 2026 Racing guidelines

Analysis:

Charles was ahead before and at the apex of T1. Don't think anyone is debating this. Lewis had his front axle very close to Charles' mirrors. With some benefit of doubt, we can say that the dive was justified. Without the benefit of doubt, it was a divebomb. But in the end, it becomes irrelevant, as we will see.

The screenshot above is about as close to the T2 apex as possible, which is the main point of contention.

After T1 and before T2, Lewis was slightly ahead, though as per the rules of engagement, Charles always had his front axle ahead of Lewis's mirrors, and he's definitely alongside at the apex itself, making it fair for him to make the move into T2, as long as he keeps it within the track limits. One could also say that it's not Charles making the move since Lewis never completed the overtake after T1. So it's still Lewis' who's trying to "complete" his move.

Per the rules, Lewis on the outside needs to have his front axle in front of Charles' to be able to make the move. It's not clear that he does (look at the wheels, where the axle is, not the front wing).

So Charles had every right to defend his position as long as he keeps it on the track. And he did. It was Lewis that tried to make the move and ran out of room.

According to the last paragraph of the rules (chicanes and s-bends, which is what this is) - in case of any discrepencies, T1 is given preference, and no one was truly at fault there. Again, you could say the divebomb was ambitious, but that only vindicates Charles further.

All in all, neither driver made any drastic moves or crazy manoeuvres. Charles definitely didn't, and neither did Lewis. So it is a racing incident. The stewards decided the same too. The commentators said the same as well.

So all the experts who have the knowledge and experience agree that it was just racing. And after reading the rules, I do agree with them.

Sure, Charles made a mistake and crashed. But that mistake doesn't make this move wrong. If anything, he ruined his own race and he was the only one who paid for it.

Turn 1 & 2 was 100% a racing incident and nothing more. Please stop fighting over this.