Lewis Hamilton’s 10-second penalty at the Mexican Grand Prix has opened a heated debate, with the Mercedes driver sanctioned for gaining a lasting advantage after running wide at Turns 4 and 5.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, was hit with the penalty after locking up while battling Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and subsequently rejoining the track ahead without ceding the position.
- The Ruling: Stewards deemed the move non-compliant with re-entry guidelines, arguing that although no rule was explicitly broken initially, the driver gained a lasting advantage.
- The Reaction: Hamilton reportedly called the penalty “pretty nuts,” while Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur conceded the penalty was “too harsh,” despite agreeing that Hamilton had failed to keep his car on the proper racing line.
The incident highlights the ongoing difficulty for the FIA to consistently apply rules regarding track limits and racing etiquette. Stay up to date with major sporting competitions on the Sweet Melodies FM Sport page.
