Lewis Hamilton Fumes Over 'Pretty Nuts' Mexico GP Penalty

Lewis Hamilton expressed strong frustration after receiving a 10-second penalty at the Mexico Grand Prix, which dropped him to eighth place. The seven-time Formula 1 champion called the decision "pretty nuts," questioning the consistency of the stewards given that similar incidents involving other drivers went unpunished.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's remarks highlight persistent concerns about officiating consistency in Formula 1, an issue that frequently sparks debate among drivers, teams, and fans. A perceived lack of clear, consistent application of rules can impact race outcomes and championship battles, creating a sense of unfairness that undermines the sport's integrity.

The details:

• Hamilton described a strong start where he navigated Turns 1, 2, and 3 without going off track, while "others cut it, and held position, and didn't get penalties." This inconsistency was a key point of his grievance.
• When asked if the penalty had been explained, he noted it was "pretty much the same as all the other people around me," implying a lack of unique justification for his punishment.
• He enjoyed his battle with Max Verstappen, calling it "racing," but reiterated his frustration at being the "only one to get a 10-second penalty – a 10-second stop and go" after Verstappen also cut a corner.
• Stewards ruled that Hamilton gained a "lasting advantage" after locking up at Turn 4, cutting the corner over the grass, and rejoining ahead of Verstappen without reducing his lead.
• Incident at Turn 4: Hamilton explained, "I pinched the front, I went to go down the exit road, but it's like the dustiest place on earth, and then I pinched the other car down, so I ended up back in the grass, but it was the exit road."

Between the lines:

Hamilton's comments reflect a broader sentiment among some drivers who feel that penalties are often subjective and lack a clear, universal application. This isn't the first time a driver of Hamilton's stature has publicly questioned stewarding decisions, indicating an ongoing challenge for the FIA to ensure perceived fairness across the grid. The specific nature of his penalty – a 10-second stop-and-go – is particularly harsh, significantly impacting his race result.

What's next:

Despite the setback, Hamilton found "still some positives to take" from the race and affirmed his commitment to continuing the fight. "I'll get up tomorrow, train, I'm trying to prepare; I can't let those that aren't necessarily being helpful stop me from moving forward." This defiant stance indicates that while frustrated, Hamilton remains focused on the championship and will not let this incident derail his season.