Lewis Hamilton’s Mexican Grand Prix ended in disappointment after the seven-time world champion received a 10-second penalty. The sanction, handed down by the FIA, dropped him from a podium position to eighth place.
Hamilton had qualified third, behind Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, and made an excellent start. He moved into second when Leclerc ran wide at Turn 1. The Mercedes driver then battled Max Verstappen, with both drivers making contact. Hamilton went off track while attempting another move, and stewards ruled he had gained an advantage.
Fans Raise Racism Allegations
Social media erupted after the race, with fans accusing the FIA of racial bias in penalising Hamilton. Many questioned why similar incidents involving Leclerc and Verstappen went unpunished.
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@michaelg67 on X wrote: “Can only be described as blatant racism all those off-track excursions and barging into each other, and the only driver to get penalised is Lewis Hamilton.”
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@lebzalulu2 added: “What you are doing to Lewis Hamilton is not fair. What has he done to deserve this? Why are you ruining the sport because of your racism?”
Hamilton’s former teammate, George Russell, also voiced frustration over FIA consistency, highlighting the lack of penalties for Verstappen and Leclerc.
Race Impact
The 10-second penalty was served during Hamilton’s pit stop, leaving him struggling with pace for the rest of the race and falling outside the top positions. Fans and commentators alike are debating the fairness of the decision and its implications for the championship.
This incident adds to ongoing discussions about stewardship consistency in Formula 1 and the perception of bias against certain drivers, keeping Hamilton and his supporters in the spotlight.
