Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver says Mexico GP penalty against Max Verstappen was 'a bit crazy' | F1 News

Lewis Hamilton says “it's a bit crazy” he was the only driver to receive a penalty for cutting a corner during the Mexico Grand Prix.

Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty for “leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage” in his fierce battle with Max Verstappen early in the race.

The pair went wheel to wheel through Turns 1 and 2, before Verstappen clipped Turn 3 to take third place. On the descent into Turn 4, Hamilton attempted to get around Verstappen but locked up, clipped the corner and emerged in front of the Red Bull driver.

“It felt like a race,” said Hamilton, who finished the race eighth.

“I was good there. It was just the cut. Then I was the only one who got a 10-second penalty. It was a little crazy.”

Hamilton was investigated twice for cutting Turn 4, the first for failing to follow the race directors' instructions about not passing the run-off zone, and for gaining an advantage.

He avoided a penalty for first, but the stewards believe Hamilton should have returned the position to Verstappen.

They said: “Car 44 (HAM) locked the brakes, left the track at Turn 4 and used the grassy area while rejoining the direction of Turn 5. As the driver was unable to follow the route prescribed by the Clerk of the Course along the 'yellow line' due to excessive speed, no violation of the Clerk of the Course's notes is considered to have occurred.

“However, by leaving the track and cutting the corner, the driver gained a lasting advantage, overtaking Car 1 (VER) and subsequently failing to return the position. The standard penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is therefore imposed.”

Russell confused as stewards explain no penalty for Verstappen

Before Turn 4, Verstappen and Hamilton had minor contact at Turn 1 as the Red Bull driver attempted an aggressive overtake. The stewards considered it to be a racing incident.

However, Verstappen cut Turn 3, but the stewards actually investigated Hamilton and whether he had left enough room.

They said: “Car 1 (VER) overtook car 44 (HAM) on the inside of turn 1. At the apex, VER's front axle was clearly in front of HAM's mirror and VER was therefore entitled to the racing line.

“Considering that HAM had little opportunity to leave additional space on the track, that the two cars were side by side throughout the turn and that no sporting consequences resulted from the contact and noting that in similar incidents in the past no further action was taken, the stewards determined that the matter amounts to a racing incident.”

Mercedes' George Russell says he 'don't understand' how Verstappen avoided a penalty for cutting two corners during the race.

Verstappen started fifth but got a better start than fourth-placed Russell and went four alongside Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Hamilton in a thrilling race to Turn 1.

But the Dutchman locked up, cut the corner and allowed Hamilton to move up to fourth, which Russell believes is unfair.

“I don't understand how three drivers can cut the first corner and continue in the position they came in,” Russell told Sky Sports F1.

“It’s like you can risk everything and you only get a get out of jail free card if you mess up.”

Regarding the Verstappen and Hamilton incidents, Russell continued: “Obviously when Max and Lewis met, Lewis received a penalty and rightly so – but Max was off the track and came back.

“It was the wrong place and the wrong time for me and I lost three positions. Obviously I was quite frustrated but it all came from the first lap.”

It's not the first time corners have been an issue at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with Verstappen penalized in 2016 after the race following a thrilling battle with Sebastian Vettel and Russell also highlighted an incident with Carlos Sainz last year.

“At the end of the day, it's all about the track and there's this get out of jail card. If there was gravel, no one would be there,” he said.

“We've seen it almost every year we've been here. It was Carlos last year and Chrles the year before that or Lewis 10 years ago. It's like a lawnmower race.

“Something has to change there. This isn't really how it should be.”

The exciting Formula 1 title race continues in Brazil with a sprint weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from November 7-9, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime