Hamilton calls for greater F1 transparency after Mexico penalty dispute

Lewis Hamilton has raised fresh concerns about how Formula 1 stewards make their decisions, saying the process lacks transparency and accountability.

The Ferrari driver’s comments come after his penalty at the Mexico City Grand Prix reignited debate over the consistency of race officiating.

Questioning the process

Hamilton was given a 10-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage in a wheel-to-wheel fight with Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver, however, faced no punishment despite twice cutting a corner during the race.

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Speaking ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 that the decision-making process felt opaque.

“There isn’t any clarity,” he said. “That’s probably part of the big issue, transparency and accountability. The secrecy of decisions are made in the background. I think it’s something that definitely needs to be tackled.”

Hamilton added that he was unsure whether stewards are aware of the weight of their decisions, noting that such rulings can steer careers and decide championships.

Calls for clearer rules

Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate, George Russell, also expressed confusion after several drivers appeared to go unpunished for cutting corners.

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The Mercedes driver described it as a “get-out-of-jail-free card” and said changes were needed at certain tracks to avoid inconsistencies.

“I was very surprised to see those drivers get away without penalty,” Russell said, referring to incidents at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. He suggested the first section of the circuit should be redesigned. “At Monza, if you miss the chicane, you go through the polystyrene blocks and lose time. Maybe gravel that whole section instead.”

Russell said the Mexico circuit’s layout made clean racing difficult. “Turns Two and Three only have one racing line, so you can’t really battle through that section,” he explained.

Massa’s legal battle

Meanwhile, former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa continues his legal fight over the outcome of the 2008 world championship.

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Massa is suing Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management, and the FIA, claiming he should have been declared champion after the “Crashgate” scandal involving Nelson Piquet Jr.

Massa alleges that the FIA and Ecclestone failed to act on knowledge that the crash at the Singapore Grand Prix was deliberate. The case, heard last week at the High Court in London, has yet to receive a verdict.

When asked about Massa’s legal challenge, Hamilton distanced himself from the matter. “I don’t have a view on it,” he said. “It has nothing really to do with me. Whatever reasons Felipe has, I’m sure he’s got the conviction within him, and that’s what he needs to do.”

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