Chaos at the Mexico Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton Penalised
The Mexico Grand Prix commenced in a tumultuous manner, with prominent drivers Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton all experiencing track exits during the initial laps, reports BritPanorama.
Hamilton, starting from pole position, engaged in an early duel with Verstappen, leading to a critical moment where Hamilton’s brakes locked, forcing him to veer off onto the escape road. He rejoined the race in third place by turn five.
Following investigations into both turn one, where Verstappen also lost control, and turn four, Hamilton was handed a mandatory 10-second penalty for gained advantage. The ruling was confirmed on lap 15, and Hamilton served the penalty nine laps later.
The seven-time world champion expressed his frustration with the decision, referring to it as “such s***” during a team radio exchange. Team representative Ricardo Adami informed Hamilton of the penalty, to which Hamilton responded with disappointment over the ruling.
Social media reactions were swift, with fans voicing their dissatisfaction regarding perceived inconsistencies in officiating. One user remarked on the apparent bias, noting that Verstappen and Leclerc seemed to avoid penalties for similar actions earlier in the race.
Another commentator highlighted the contrast in penalties, questioning the absence of investigations into Verstappen’s prior track exit. As the race progressed, Hamilton’s penalty ultimately saw him return to the track in 14th place, a significant drop from his earlier position.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris surged forward in the race, aiming to close the gap on his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who had experienced a decline in position but remained competitive in the pursuit of the top five.
In a sport where split-second decisions can lead to chaos, Hamilton’s experience mirrors the relentless scrutiny faced by drivers at every turn. Such moments often illuminate the razor-thin line between triumph and disappointment in Formula 1, reminding fans of the often unpredictable nature of the sport.
