Hamilton and those penalties that cost dearly
The latest races have seen Lewis Hamilton face a series of penalties that have heavily impacted his points tally. Between incidents in qualifying and stewards’ decisions during the Grand Prix, the British driver has often had to come back or manage situations made more complicated by the sanctions, losing ground in the fight for top positions.
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While taking responsibility when necessary, Hamilton believes some race direction decisions have been particularly harsh. In the latest World Championship rounds, several incidents were judged with measures that fueled debate about the consistency of the criteria adopted by the stewards, a topic that continues to spark discussion among drivers and insiders.
Hamilton’s words
“I think the last races have gone quite badly for me. At Silverstone it was my fault, but in the meeting with the drivers we said that the stewards were not consistent in judging the starts. In the past, there have been drivers who moved without being penalized,” this was Hamilton’s comment. “We discussed with them that, as long as you don’t move while the last lights are on, you shouldn’t be penalized. I hadn’t left my grid box, and they agreed. So they are reviewing the matter for the future.”
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“At Spa, even George said it was just a racing incident, yet they gave me a penalty. I think it was unnecessary. In Hungary I take responsibility because I should have checked the mirrors, but I received the information right at the end. These decisions have cost me many points,” he added. But from Zandvoort onwards Hamilton wants to change approach: “I will do my best to try to get back to the top. There are still many places to gain. I will try not to give them any reason to penalize me.”
Hamilton’s goal for the second half of the season will therefore be to leave behind this long series of penalties. Minimizing mistakes is a priority for the seven-time world champion, who with the latest incidents has slipped to -50 from Kimi Antonelli.
