Lewis Hamilton Brands FIA Stewards 'Complete Joke' After Brazilian GP Penalty

Lewis Hamilton was left fuming after receiving a five-second penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix for a collision with Franco Colapinto, capping a disastrous weekend that ended in early retirement. This marks the second consecutive race weekend where Hamilton has publicly criticized the FIA stewards, expressing his frustration over their decisions.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's outspoken criticism of the FIA stewards, now for the second consecutive race, highlights growing tensions between drivers and the sport's governing body. Such public disputes can impact driver morale, team strategy, and the perceived fairness of race officiating, potentially influencing future regulatory discussions and the overall competitive spirit in F1.

The Details:

• Hamilton's race at Interlagos was fraught from the start, dropping from 13th to 17th after an incident involving Williams' Carlos Sainz.
• He later made contact with Franco Colapinto's Alpine on the main straight, dislodging his front wing and causing significant floor damage.
• The Penalty: Stewards deemed Hamilton responsible for the collision with Colapinto, issuing a five-second penalty. Hamilton, however, argued that Colapinto "moved over on me," causing him to "clip my wing."
• Radio Fury: "These guys are a joke. A complete joke," Hamilton exclaimed over team radio upon hearing of the penalty.
• Race Retirement: The damage sustained from the collision ultimately forced Hamilton into an early retirement, a bitter end to an already challenging weekend.
• Prior Clashes: This incident follows a similar frustration in Mexico, where Hamilton felt "let down" by the FIA after receiving a 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage against Max Verstappen.
• Performance Impact: Reflecting on the DNF, Hamilton noted, "After the [Colapinto] hit, it felt like the rear suspension was broken... We were losing 30 or 40 points of downforce. When you were going through the high speed, the thing was snapping."

The Big Picture:

This string of incidents reflects a broader narrative of Hamilton's challenging season and his increasing frustration with race officiating. Despite his legendary status, he has faced multiple penalties and struggled with car performance in recent races. The outspoken criticism towards the FIA adds another layer of complexity to his season, potentially leading to further dialogue or scrutiny regarding stewarding decisions in Formula 1.

What's next:

With the season nearing its end, Hamilton and his team will aim to regroup and address the performance issues plaguing his car. The ongoing friction with the FIA may prompt discussions behind the scenes about consistency in stewarding decisions. Hamilton emphasized the need to "get back up tomorrow and just give it another go," indicating a resilient approach despite the setbacks. His performance in the remaining races will be crucial in ending the season on a more positive note and building momentum for the next championship.