Lewis Hamilton recently expressed his dissatisfaction with a penalty received during the Mexican Grand Prix. The 10-second time penalty was imposed after he was judged to have left the track, gaining an advantage over rival Max Verstappen. Hamilton criticized the FIA, feeling let down and labeling the situation as a case of “double standards.”
Max Verstappen Responds Firmly to Hamilton’s Claims
Verstappen disagreed with Hamilton’s assessment, asserting that the rules apply equally to all drivers. He emphasized that racing incidents like this are part of the game and governed by the regulations set by the stewards.
Key Events from the Race
- Lap 1: An intense battle unfolded with drivers including Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Hamilton, and Verstappen. Both Verstappen and Leclerc used the escape road at Turn 1.
- Lap 6: The rivalry resumed at Turn 1 where Verstappen attempted an inside pass on Hamilton, resulting in both going off the track. Verstappen returned ahead.
- Penalty Decision: Hamilton cut across the grass to regain his position but was penalized for gaining advantage, dropping from third to eighth by race end.
Hamilton’s Viewpoint
Hamilton noted his frustration during a post-race interview. Despite a strong start and remaining on track initially, he found himself penalized while others, including Verstappen, faced no repercussions for similar actions. He questioned the fairness of the stewards’ decisions.
Verstappen’s Perspective
Verstappen responded to the situation by stating, “That’s racing. It’s what we can do within the regulations.” He remarked that Hamilton’s incident wasn’t unique and emphasized a level playing field among competitors.
Current Standings
Following the race, Verstappen improved his position in the Drivers’ Championship, narrowing his deficit to 36 points from the leader. In contrast, Hamilton found himself in sixth place, 64 points behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Hamilton and Verstappen, encapsulating the competitive nature of Formula 1 this season.
