“Father Figure” Lewis Hamilton Owes F1, Ex Ferrari Boss & FIA Defend $52000 Penalty Amid Severe Backlash

Lewis Hamilton’s crash at the Qatar GP seems to be stuck in a never-ending loop. The United States GP is on the horizon and yet the only thing pundits and fans are talking about is Lewis Hamilton’s crash with George Russell and its aftermath. As FIA received huge backlash for its recent actions regarding the $52000 penalty to Lewis Hamilton, Former Ferrari Boss and FIA rose up to defend the penalty. But what did they say?  

As if Lewis Hamilton didn’t have enough on his plate regarding the Qatar GP crash, FIA awarded the Brit a $52000 penalty for crossing the track while it was still live. However, FIA recently announced that it will be revisiting the issue as it was later considered a serious safety breach. It was also advised how FIA is concerned about what impressions Hamilton might’ve left on younger drivers, as Hamilton is considered a role model. 

FIA’s penalty and the revisiting did not go down well with the fans and many pundits who called FIA’s actions unnecessary and slammed the governing body for the role model comments. Nonetheless, FIA defended itself later on by elaborating on the role model comments. 

FIA and Peter Windsor defend the $52000 penalty and it’s revisiting

FIA clarified to PlanetF1 how Lewis Hamilton was referred to as a role model purely because of his status as a racer at the pinnacle of motorsports. They added how all the F1 drivers have this responsibility to become a role model for the younger generation. Peter Windsor never shies away from giving his opinion and advised that Lewis Hamilton is indeed a role model as he shared his World Champion philosophy.

In his YouTube video, Peter Windsor said, “Long before the FIA became a lot more judicious and had as many rules as they have, and the teams and Liberty were bunched together in a way they are, the World Champion was always looked on as a father figure for Formula 1. He was setting the tone for how people saw F1. You had an enormous responsibility if you won the world championship. I’m not sure that the drivers today feel that sense of responsibility.”

Read More: “That Was My Fault, I’m Very Sorry”: Lewis Hamilton’s Smart Move Saved Mercedes Post Collision With George Russell, James Allison

Nonetheless, we feel it’s time to learn from all the incidents around the crash and put them to bed once and for all. The Mercedes CEO believes the same as he looks forward to the upcoming races. 

“Focused on Austin”: Toto Wolff and Co. learn from the Qatar GP crash as they turn attention toward the near future

Toto Wolff’s absence was felt at the Qatar GP as the two Mercedes collided. Nonetheless, the US GP race weekend is almost upon us and Toto Wolff believes in looking forward. However, he does realize that the team and drivers need to learn from the mistakes made. He doesn’t believe in sulking about what has already happened. The Mercedes CEO talked about the upgrades being brought to Austin and how the team looks forward to maximizing the weekend. 

According to mercedesamgf1.com, Toto Wolff said, “I am sure we will all grow from this moment. We’re now focused on Austin and making sure we get the most out of each upcoming weekend. We’ll be bringing a modified floor, which is the last significant update we will take to the track this year. It will hopefully bring a small gain but more importantly, is another milestone in setting our development path for W15”

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What is your take on the penalty awarded to Lewis Hamilton?