The 2024 United States Grand Prix ended on a dramatic note between McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has now commented on the much-debated decision from the Stewards.
Norris and Verstappen engaged in a heated multi-lap battle at the Texas circuit. On lap 52, Norris overtook Verstappen but both drivers ran off the track in the process. The race stewards saw this as a breach of the rules, penalizing Norris with a five-second penalty, reasoning that Verstappen was in the lead at the corner's apex despite both drivers leaving the track. McLaren argued that this penalty was unjust and moved forward to challenge it through a Right to Review, which will be looked into on Friday.
Hamilton's observations on the incident extend far beyond this single race. His history with Verstappen, notably their intense 2021 competition, adds weight to his critiques. During that season, Hamilton often found himself questioning decision-making on the track, which at times, he felt, favored a certain style of aggressive driving – a style he perceives Verstappen employs to his advantage.
Whilst speaking to the media ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton explained:
"It's always been a grey area, that’s why he’s got away with it for so long. They probably need to make some adjustments for sure. Also we do have inconsistencies through rulings weekend in, weekend out obviously depending on the stewards there. As a sport we do need to level up on and we look at other global sports, they have full-time refs, and I'm sure that wouldn't be a bad thing for our sport.
"I experienced it many times with Max, and he shouldn't be able to just launch the car up the inside to be ahead and then you go off and still hold the position.”
The penalty has accentuated Verstappen's lead in the championship by 57 points, while Norris continues to chase the title in the remaining Grands Prix and sprint races.
McLaren has since lodged a “right to review’ request, which they confirmed in a statement:
“McLaren confirms it has submitted a petition for a review relating to the decision to penalise Lando with a 5 second penalty at the 2024 United States Grand Prix, for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage, which we believe to be unfair,” a statement for McLaren read.
“We believe there is a significant and new element that was unavailable to us at the time the decision was made.
“We have submitted the relevant paperwork with the FIA and will issue no further comment while this process is ongoing.
“We have the utmost respect for the FIA and the stewards for the difficult job that they do and appreciate the open and collaborative relationship we enjoy with them.”
