Defending Lewis Hamilton, Ex-F1 Driver Throws Max Verstappen & Logan Sargeant Under the Bus

The actions of Lewis Hamilton at Lusail posed a serious threat to him and the drivers. The incident was, therefore, sent under investigation. After much deliberation, the British driver was handed a hefty penalty of $50,000 and reprimanded. However, in view of setting the correct precedent, FIA seeks to re-evaluate the incident. But the crime has many criminals and only one is guilty. Resonating the thought, a former F1 driver has fired at the FIA.

As lights went out during the Qatar Grand Prix, so did Lewis Hamilton’s bid to finish on the podium steps. Going into turn 1, he crashed into his teammate George Russell, sending the Silver Arrows out of the circuit. Unfortunately for Hamilton, the damage was enough to cut his race short. As Russell continued and pitted to evaluate the damage, Hamilton crossed the live track back into the pits. Although his actions warranted a penalty, a re-evaluation of the incident has prompted fury.

Lewis Hamilton’s penalty is fair, but not the inconsistencies

Inconsistencies in regulations and their enforcement by the governing body have been a major talking point of this season. From the track limit chaos in Austin, the backlash has now traveled to the deserts of Qatar. Despite FIA issuing that the Briton has been apologetic for his actions, the revision of the $ 50,000 penalty on Hamilton has caused many F1 entities to sieve through the past.

In the protests by the community, Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver has chimed in. In no circumstance breaching safety regulations should be condoned. Yet, according to him, the re-opening of the investigation is uncalled for. He recalled that one race before the Qatar Grand Prix, a similar breach by Logan Sargeant, went unnoticed. The American driver crossed the active circuit after he crashed in the qualifying for the Sunday Grid. Yet the Williams driver proceeded to the race unpunished.

Further, Chandhok cited Max Verstappen‘s crash at Monza 2021 prompting the Dutch driver to cross the live circuit, in a similar fashion to Hamilton. Yet the actions of the three-time world champion were not reprimanded, let alone investigated. He feels, like many in the community, that ‘precedent’ must be set every time, citing the same regulations.

READ MORE: “Make No Mistake”: Despite Mercedes’ Ugly Reality, Lewis Hamilton Fires Scathing Warning at Rivals

For many, it is FIA’s wordings for the re-investigation which is scandalous. Alluding to Hamilton’s ‘role-model’ status, FIA wants to set the precedent right for the younger drivers. But what defines a role model?

Role-model status and punishment for just Hamilton?

Formula 1 has the best 20 drivers in the world going around circuits and turns at 300kmph. Each of them is an inspiration to the drivers aiming for the pinnacle of motorsports. Each of the twenty drivers must be held to the same standard of conduct. Is it then fair to single out the seven-time world champion for his influence in the racing world?

Similar incidents have occurred before without punishments or chidings by the FIA. Does it set a good precedent for the drivers if some get away with committing the same breach? Although the FIA has a good reason to re-open the investigation, alluding to the incident that shocked the karting world in Italy, the inconsistencies in enforcement have prompted criticism from all tiers of Formula 1.

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There is chaos within the governing body. To re-open or not to re-open, do you stand with Karun Chandhok? Or do you agree with FIA setting the bar right?