FIA Faces Backlash After Lewis Hamilton’s Mexican GP Penalty

Hamilton’s Penalty Sparks Outrage Among Fans

What started as a promising Sunday for Lewis Hamilton turned sour at the Mexican Grand Prix when Formula 1’s seven-time world champion was handed a 10-second penalty that cost him a potential podium. The decision not only hurt his race but also reignited long-simmering tensions between Hamilton’s supporters and Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA.

Hamilton had qualified third behind Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris and made an electric start, briefly climbing into second as Leclerc ran wide on Turn 1. But soon after, a tense wheel-to-wheel battle with Max Verstappen changed everything. The two made contact, forcing Verstappen off-track. When Hamilton tried to retake the position, he too went off the circuit and was later judged to have gained an advantage a ruling that saw him slapped with a time penalty during his pit stop.

He dropped down the order and never recovered, finishing outside the top positions after struggling for pace for the rest of the race.

Fans Accuse FIA Of Racial Bias

The penalty triggered a storm online. Fans flooded social media accusing the FIA of bias and inconsistency some even calling it “blatant racism.”

One user on X wrote: “All those off-track excursions and barging, and the only driver penalised is Lewis Hamilton this can only be described as racism.”

Another added: “What you’re doing to Lewis isn’t fair. Why is he the only one punished?”

The incident reignited conversations about how Hamilton the sport’s only Black driver and one of its most successful has often found himself at the centre of questionable race rulings. His supporters argue that, despite being one of F1’s most respected figures, he continues to face double standards both on and off the track.

Russell Questions FIA’s Consistency

Even within the paddock, eyebrows were raised. Hamilton’s former teammate, George Russell, called the decision “strange,” pointing out that neither Verstappen nor Leclerc received penalties for similar clashes during the race.

Russell’s remarks echoed the broader frustration within the Mercedes camp, which has struggled this season to challenge McLaren and Red Bull. For many, the penalty felt like another blow in a difficult year for Hamilton, who is still chasing his first podium of the season.

Silence From The FIA

As of Monday morning, the FIA had yet to comment on the controversy, leaving fans demanding answers. The governing body’s silence has only intensified the backlash, with hashtags like #JusticeForLewis and #FIAOut trending globally.

In South Africa and across the world, Hamilton remains an icon of resilience and representation in a sport that has long struggled with diversity. For his fans, this latest penalty feels less like a racing call and more like a reminder of how far Formula 1 still has to go.

{Source:The South African}

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