Lewis Hamilton’s bid for a primary podium with Scuderia Ferrari within the 2025 Method 1 season led to controversy after the seven-time World Champion acquired a 10-second time penalty on the Mexican Grand Prix. The choice got here following a chaotic opening sequence that noticed Hamilton embroiled in a multi-car battle.
Sturdy qualifying offers Hamilton hope
Hamilton had produced an encouraging efficiency in qualifying, securing his finest grid place as a Ferrari driver by lining up third on the grid behind teammate Charles Leclerc and polesitter Lando Norris. Regardless of scuffling with braking points throughout apply periods, he overcame these challenges to begin the race from the second row in a powerful place to contend for his first podium in purple.
Flip 1 chaos and early contact
The opening laps have been nothing in need of dramatic. the seven-time Method 1 world champion went four-wide into Flip 1 alongside Norris, Leclerc, and Max Verstappen. Each Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen ran large, rejoining forward of Hamilton. Whereas Verstappen later returned the place to Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc retained his observe place regardless of Hamilton being forward on nook entry. The advanced dynamics of the primary corners set the stage for additional rigidity.
On lap six, the Dutchman tried an aggressive dive into Flip 1, leading to contact with Lewis Hamilton. The Crimson Bull driver ran off the observe, whereas the Briton, defending from Verstappen at Flip 4, locked up and went onto the escape highway earlier than rejoining in third place. The stewards initially investigated the incident however took no motion towards Max Verstappen.
Penalty issued to Hamilton for leaving observe
The stewards later revisited Lewis Hamilton’s observe limits, specializing in his choice to chop throughout the grass somewhat than utilizing the designated escape route. This led to the imposition of a 10-second time penalty, successfully eradicating him from podium rivalry. The choice drew widespread criticism from the F1 fanbase, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration.
F1 followers query stewards’ consistency
Followers on X (previously Twitter) expressed disbelief at Lewis Hamilton’s penalty whereas Verstappen escaped sanction for working large and inflicting contact earlier within the race. Feedback ranged from “Absolute joke” to “Ridiculous! Nothing for Max for the barge or reducing the sector on Flip 1.” Supporters argued that Verstappen ought to have confronted the same penalty, noting that Leclerc additionally ran off observe with out consequence.
Different followers identified inconsistencies in stewarding, highlighting that a number of drivers had breached observe limits on lap one with out receiving penalties, reinforcing claims of unfair remedy in direction of Hamilton. The social media backlash demonstrated how passionate the F1 group is about equity and consistency in race officiating.
Skilled opinions align with fan frustration
Former F1 driver Sam Chook weighed in by way of BBC Radio 5 Stay, describing Lewis Hamilton’s penalty as “extraordinarily harsh.” Chook emphasised that the choice unfairly punished the Ferrari driver, particularly contemplating his sturdy efficiency all through the weekend. At 40 years outdated, Hamilton had been constructing momentum with Ferrari, displaying improved tempo and confidence in his SF-25.
Ferrari’s engineers have actively responded to Lewis Hamilton’s suggestions over the season, making changes that enhanced his efficiency. Traditionally, a few of his improve requests had been missed, which impacted his outcomes. Hamilton’s collaboration with the technical crew has been essential in optimizing the automotive, and his rising understanding of Ferrari’s programs has been praised by teammate Charles Leclerc, who famous that Hamilton now “is aware of principally every part” in regards to the crew.
Podium nonetheless eludes Hamilton in 2025
Regardless of his integration into Ferrari and constant efficiency enhancements, Lewis Hamilton has but to safe a podium in his debut season with the Scuderia. The penalty on the Mexican Grand Prix was a stark reminder of how race incidents and stewarding choices can considerably influence outcomes, even for elite drivers.
Lewis Hamilton shall be wanting to capitalize on the remaining races to lastly obtain his maiden podium with the Maranello crew, leveraging his deep data of the automotive and expertise to transform sturdy performances into tangible outcomes. The Mexican GP incident highlighted each the potential and the frustrations which have outlined Hamilton’s 2025 marketing campaign.
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