Hamilton Criticizes FIA's Lack of Transparency After Mexican GP Penalty

Lewis Hamilton has once again voiced strong criticism against the FIA, specifically targeting the lack of transparency and accountability in their decision-making processes following a penalty he received at the Mexican Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion also subtly referenced the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a contentious decision by the race director ultimately cost him the championship.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's comments underscore a persistent frustration among drivers regarding the consistency and clarity of stewarding decisions in Formula 1. This recurring issue can impact race outcomes and, as Hamilton highlighted, even championship results, eroding trust in the sport's governing body.

The details:

• Hamilton received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty during the Mexican GP for rejoining the track at Turn 4 after a duel with Max Verstappen, gaining a lasting advantage without slowing down.
• He stated, "There isn't any clarity, and I think that's probably part of the big issue — transparency and accountability, and also kind of like the secrecy that the decisions are made in the background."
• The Briton believes the FIA's decisions can "ultimately steer careers" and "decide results of championships," making a clear jab at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Controversy also surrounded the start of the Mexican GP, where several drivers, including Max Verstappen, ran wide at Turn 1 without slowing or giving back positions, yet received no penalties, in stark contrast to Hamilton's incident.
• Mercedes teammate George Russell even suggested radical solutions, indicating a widespread concern about inconsistent stewarding.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's remarks are not just about a single penalty; they reflect a broader dissatisfaction with how decisions are communicated and enforced within F1. The veiled reference to Abu Dhabi 2021 suggests that the wounds from that controversial championship decider are still fresh, and the perception of inconsistent application of rules continues to be a major point of contention for top drivers and teams. This ongoing tension could lead to calls for more structured and transparent processes for stewarding and officiating in future seasons.

What's next:

The FIA is under increasing pressure to address these concerns about transparency and consistency. While Hamilton suggested the changes need to happen "in the background," the public nature of his comments, echoed by other drivers, indicates a growing demand for tangible reforms in how race incidents are judged and how those judgments are explained to teams, drivers, and fans.