P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton’s hand gesture towards Franco Colapinto at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix has triggered an accusation of double-standards aimed at the FIA by Max Verstappen’s GT3 teammate, Dani Juncadella.
Lewis Hamilton’s hand gesture towards Franco Colapinto at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix sparked criticism of the FIA’s perceived double standards by Max Verstappen’s GT3 teammate, Dani Juncadella. In the early stages of the race, the seven-time World Champion raised his middle finger at the Argentinian following a minor collision with the Alpine driver, causing damage to his Ferrari SF-26 for the remainder of the race. Despite the gesture being captured by Hamilton’s onboard camera, there was no retroactive reprimand. Juncadella, who had been fined €5,000 (€4,000 suspended) for a similar incident with Augusto Farfus at the WEC season finale in Bahrain the previous year, criticized the lack of consistency from the FIA. Verstappen’s community service order from the FIA for using profanity during a press conference at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix further fueled the debate on disciplinary actions in the sport. Juncadella, voicing his frustration on social media, highlighted the perceived double standards within the sport’s governing body, emphasizing the need for equal treatment in enforcing penalties. When questioned about whether Hamilton should have been fined, Juncadella expressed his belief that while the gesture was inappropriate, a consistent penalty system should be applied, suggesting a €2,000 fine for the seven-time World Champion.
