Lewis Hamilton accuses Verstappen of ‘getting away with….and calls for a…read more
Lewis Hamilton has openly criticized Max Verstappen, suggesting that the Red Bull driver has benefited from unclear regulations for years. This comes after a contentious incident during the United States Grand Prix, where Verstappen managed to secure a podium finish following a tense battle with Lando Norris.
The race controversy erupted during an intense contest for third place, which had significant implications for the Championship standings. Norris initially held the advantage but was handed a five-second penalty after clashing with Verstappen at Turn 12. As a result, Norris lost his spot on the podium, allowing Verstappen to capitalize and move up the rankings.
Race officials ruled that Norris violated guidelines that determine the conditions under which a car can safely overtake on the outside of a corner. Specifically, they concluded that Norris failed to meet the criteria requiring the overtaking vehicle’s front axle to be at least level with the other car’s front axle at the apex and through the exit of the corner. Both drivers had gone off-track during the maneuver, but the stewards determined that Norris was at fault, prompting the penalty that shifted the race’s outcome.
Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, did not hold back in his assessment, pointing to perceived inconsistencies in how the rules are applied. He suggested that there are “grey areas” in the current regulations that Verstappen has frequently exploited to his advantage. According to Hamilton, the long-standing ambiguity in the rulebook has allowed Verstappen to evade penalties in similar scenarios over the years.
“It’s always been a grey area,” said Hamilton, now 39, when discussing the incident. “That’s why he’s got away with it for so long.” The Mercedes driver emphasized the need for more clarity and uniformity in race officiating, arguing that clearer guidelines would lead to fairer competition. Hamilton believes the current lack of consistency creates frustration among drivers and fans alike, as incidents similar to the Norris-Verstappen clash often result in unpredictable out
While the stewards’ decision favored Verstappen, the incident has reignited debates within the motorsport community about the need for reform in Formula 1’s rulebook. Many, including Hamilton, have voiced concerns that the interpretation of rules seems to vary depending on the situation and drivers involved. These concerns have led to increased pressure on the FIA to standardize how overtaking guidelines are enforced, especially when the consequences have a direct impact on championship battles.
As the season continues, the call for consistent officiating is expected to intensify, with drivers like Hamilton advocating for clearer definitions that would eliminate “grey areas” and ensure that all competitors are judged by the same standards.
