Does This Prove Lewis Hamilton Was Wronged by Stewards in Max Verstappen Incident in Brazil?

Despite an eventful weekend, the talking point of the Brazilian GP weekend was the incident between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Going into Turn 4 in lap 50, Verstappen drove Hamilton off the tracks; this would usually warrant a five-second-time penalty. While everyone awaited the penalty that would put the Dutchman in P2, the F1 stewards decided the incident didn’t require any action. However, after the race, Michael Masi revealed that the decision lacked a crucial piece of evidence.

While the verdict came as a shock to everyone, Michael Masi confessed that the decision wasn’t a fully informed one. The footage taken from Verstappen’s Red Bull was only from the rear camera; the forward-facing camera held the evidence that would’ve benefitted Hamilton. Masi disclosed, “we didn’t have access to it.”

Having admitted to it being a defining piece of evidence, the race director will review the footage subsequently. “It hasn’t been obtained but it’s been requested. That will be downloaded and we’ll have a look at them.”

Read more: Why Was Lewis Hamilton Waving the Brazilian Flag Despite Being a British National?

Although the decision isn’t about who the ruling favored, such moments are key in defining future incidents in the sport. A recent point of comparison could be Lando Norris‘ penalty in Austria when Sergio Perez was forced off the track. Looking back, the FIA could’ve absolved Norris of a penalty; however, it is a lack of such consistent rulings that lead to controversy.

Masi explains philosophy behind Lewis Hamilton verdict

The rulings of incidents also factor in the context in which the incident takes place. For example, it’s more lenient during lap 1 and turn 1 incident. Now, as Red Bull had radioed the Australian, it becomes a “let them race” philosophy.

However, Masi disagreed rulings are inconsistent. “You have a look at it and as I’ve said many times before you judge the incident on its merits and you have a look at all of it.”

Nonetheless, he admitted to having a ‘let them race’ approach to the incident in Brazil. “Let’s not forget we have the overall ‘let them race’ principles and looking at it with all of the angles that we had available it was that philosophy that was adopted.”

Masi did it for the benefit of everyone, as he explained the rationale behind this philosophy. “If you look at the proximity of the cars heading into the apex, where it is, the nature of the corner, the fact both cars went off, neither car lost position or anything like that–that was probably the general view.”

The FIA rulings and decisions continue to be vague and the discussions about the lap 4 incident continue; it’s only time before we head to Qatar for round 19. There will be more action and definitely more drama as the championship protagonists near the finale.

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