The FIA has been forced to issue an official statement following the controversy surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s penalty at the Mexico Grand Prix, after growing backlash from fans and drivers alike.
Hamilton, who had been running strongly in his Ferrari, was handed a five-second time penalty that ultimately altered his race position and cost him valuable championship points. The decision sparked immediate debate across the paddock and social media, with many calling the ruling “harsh” and “inconsistent.”
After mounting pressure, the FIA released a detailed clarification explaining the reasoning behind the penalty. According to the statement, Hamilton was penalized for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage during his wheel-to-wheel battle with one of the Red Bull drivers. Stewards cited onboard footage and GPS data that showed Hamilton’s Ferrari maintaining momentum off the racing line — a move they deemed provided him an unfair benefit.
However, fans were quick to point out that similar incidents in previous races were either ignored or punished differently, reigniting the long-standing debate about inconsistency in FIA decisions.
The FIA defended its stance, stating:
“The decision was made based on clear evidence from the car’s telemetry and video. While interpretations may vary, the application of the sporting code was consistent with established precedent.”
Still, the statement has done little to quiet the storm. Many supporters believe Hamilton’s penalty robbed him of a deserved podium, while others insist that the rules were applied fairly.
Hamilton, for his part, kept his response composed, saying only:
“It is what it is. I’ll take it on the chin and move on — but the fans saw what happened.”
As Formula 1 heads into the final stretch of the season, this incident has once again put the FIA’s decision-making under the microscope, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the sport’s officiating.
