P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Did the FIA get it wrong with Hamilton penalty?
Lewis Hamilton’s 10-second time penalty at the Mexican Grand Prix has divided opinions among fans, questioning the fairness of the FIA’s decision to penalize the F1 champion. He received the penalty for gaining an advantage when he cut a corner and did not give back the position to Max Verstappen.
Verstappen also cut corners during the race but did not receive a penalty, leading to confusion and accusations of double standards from some fans and Hamilton himself.
The FIA’s decision was based on the rule that leaving the track and gaining an advantage warrants a penalty, as outlined in their guidelines, regardless of any mitigating circumstances.
Hamilton’s penalty stemmed from gaining a lasting advantage by cutting a corner and not giving back the position, which is in line with the FIA’s standards for penalties in such situations.
Despite the controversy, the rules are clear that actions that result in gaining a sporting advantage, such as cutting corners to advance positions without giving them back, are subject to penalties to uphold fair competition in Formula 1.
