Fred Vasseur provides his view on controversial Verstappen–Hamilton incident in Mexico Metropolis
The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix noticed outdated Formulation 1 rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collide as soon as once more in a dramatic opening part of the race. The conflict got here at an important second for Hamilton, who had been on observe to safe his first podium for Scuderia Ferrari this season.
Lewis Hamilton had delivered a robust begin, trying set to problem on the entrance, however a 10-second time penalty for failing to comply with the race director’s directions successfully ended his podium bid. Whereas teammate Charles Leclerc secured a robust second-place end, Lewis Hamilton finally limped throughout the road in eighth, leaving Ferrari and followers annoyed by the end result.
Flip 1 chaos and penalty controversy
The opening laps had been intense, with Lewis Hamilton initially contending for the lead into Flip 1 earlier than Max Verstappen pressured him off the racing line. This early incident set the stage for the penalty, which many thought-about controversial. With simply 4 races remaining within the 2025 season, the seven-time Formulation 1 world champion seems poised to complete sixth within the drivers’ championship throughout his first yr with Ferrari, a outcome far under expectations for the seven-time World Champion.
Former F1 driver and Sky Sports activities analyst Karun Chandhok expressed shock at Ferrari’s race technique, noting that the group didn’t instruct Lewis Hamilton to cut back tempo and give up time earlier than the stewards handed down the penalty. Karun Chandhok argued that had Ferrari acted proactively, Lewis Hamilton might need prevented dropping essential seconds and salvaging a podium end.
Verstappen and Hamilton: the aftermath of the conflict
Max Verstappen acknowledged the chaos on the race begin, revealing that he had practically misplaced management after working vast at Flip 1. Regardless of Hamilton’s claims that Max Verstappen had pushed him off observe, the FIA stewards reviewed the incident and opted to not penalise the Crimson Bull driver. This resolution left Lewis Hamilton to struggle by way of the rest of the race whereas managing a 36-point deficit within the championship battle towards his McLaren rivals.
Though Hamilton confronted an analogous on-track misjudgment later within the race, he prevented additional penalties. Demonstrating spectacular talent, he delivered a robust second stint, virtually reaching the rostrum. Nonetheless, a late Digital Security Automobile prevented a last-lap overtaking try, compounding the frustration for each driver and group.
Fred Vasseur feedback on penalty and stewards’ resolution
Ferrari group principal Fred Vasseur addressed the controversy in an interview with Canal+, describing Lewis Hamilton’s 10-second penalty as “very harsh.” He acknowledged that though Lewis Hamilton had not taken the shortest path again onto the observe, the time loss was extreme given the circumstances. Fred Vasseur emphasised that Ferrari wouldn’t publicly complain about different drivers, together with Verstappen, who escaped sanction for the incident.
Fred Vasseur’s feedback underline the challenges Ferrari faces in managing race technique and communication beneath high-pressure conditions. The incident highlighted each the aggressive depth between Hamilton and Verstappen and the wonderful margins that separate success from disappointment in Formulation 1.
Hamilton’s 2025 season and podium wrestle
Regardless of Ferrari displaying improved tempo in current races, the Briton has but to safe a podium end in 2025, whereas Charles Leclerc has achieved seven top-three outcomes. This distinction demonstrates the automotive’s potential, but additionally the a number of components—race incidents, penalties, and technique choices—that have to align for Lewis Hamilton to succeed in the rostrum.
At this stage of the season, Lewis Hamilton dangers finishing a yr with no podium for the primary time in his illustrious 18-year Formulation 1 profession. With solely 4 races remaining, each alternative is essential to salvaging a robust end within the championship. Lewis Hamilton’s expertise and familiarity with Ferrari can be invaluable because the group prepares for the transition to the 2026 F1 rules, giving him a bonus in adapting to future challenges.
Wanting forward: 4 races to show fortunes round
Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 season highlights the significance of consistency, racecraft, and strategic execution. Whereas uncooked tempo is clear, a mix of incidents, penalties, and tactical choices has thus far prevented the Briton from changing potential into podiums. The Mexican Grand Prix served as a stark reminder that even a slight misjudgment or unclear communication can have main repercussions on the high stage of Formulation 1.
Because the season enters its last 4 rounds, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari should optimize each facet of their efficiency, from qualifying and race technique to pit wall communication and on-track decision-making. The teachings realized from Mexico may show pivotal in serving to the Briton lastly safe a podium for Ferrari and maximize his factors haul earlier than the 2025 Formulation season concludes.
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