Will Buxton Slammed for His Hamilton-Verstappen Incident Stance as Mercedes Complain After Fresh F1 Footage Release

The main talking point of the Brazilian GP weekend was the lap 48 incident between the championship rivals. Lewis Hamilton went wide with Max Verstappen in Turn 4 of the Interlagos in what looked like an aggressive move from Verstappen. While such incidents usually warrant a five-second penalty, F1 stewards absolved Verstappen of any repercussions. Further, amidst the debate of who was in the wrong, Masi revealed the FIA lacked crucial evidence- which has now been released.

With the unseen footage now out, many F1 journalists and pundits share their take on what the incident looked like. F1 favorite Will Buxton was one of them. However, Buxton’s take received a lot of backlash from the fans on Twitter.

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What did Will Buxton say?

Buxton analyzed the FIA’s decision to be equitable, stating that Verstappen’s defense was fair and there was nothing glaringly wrong with the incident. “It’s hard racing, but Verstappen is in control. Crowding is debatable. Question of whether at the pace and turn in Ham would have made the corner anyway. Intriguing.”

Buxton also added that it was too close to decide. Regardless, he was glad that the FIA didn’t decide the race for the duo. “All I can say is I’m glad there was no call and it was ultimately decided on track by a supreme pass. That’s what we all want to see. Not a race decided by a penalty.”

Although Hamilton’s move on Verstappen a few laps later to take the lead was both poetic and exhilarating, FIA rules shouldn’t rely on the entertainment factor of an incident. Not only have they structured rulings that could dictate incidents in the future, but they also act as a reference to what can and cannot happen in intense wheel-to-wheel racing.

Fans on Twitter have rather easily forgotten that the incident doesn’t necessarily revolve around Max and Lewis individually. From the outside, it did look like Verstappen forced Hamilton wide along with him- warranting a penalty. Regardless, in the situation’s context, Buxton made an important point:

“Racing maneuvers are rarely black and white. They are unique and exist in the grey areas. If they were slam dunks, there’d be no need for discussion. Factional fanaticism and the notion of rationally debating right and wrong don’t coexist happily. Especially online. Sadly.”

F1 fans barrage Buxton’s opinions

Buxton made some statements that were quick to trigger the fans online. An apt point on his part, “If you fervently believe that Verstappen should have been penalized in Brazil, and you want to use precedent as your reasoning, then you cannot, with any semblance of a shred of goodwill or sincerity, argue Hamilton did not at Silverstone.”

As always, the two teams on either side of the battle line took their drivers’ side against Buxton’s statements.

Although Buxton’s statements were against the general wave, he did put forth some very interesting points. Especially when he said, “Race maneuvers are unique and have to be judged as such. Precedent can aid as much as hinder an objective view.”

In a time when opinions have the medium to be shared so openly, maybe it would be best if we listen to and comprehend both sides of an argument. Not only will this help fans get a better understanding to make their own opinions, but also remove much of the negativity and quarreling that takes place online.

Mercedes F1 releases a statement

As the debate of who is right and who’s wrong continues, Mercedes has made their standing clear- Verstappen was wrong. Upon reviewing the newly released footage, Mercedes has decided to step up. In a statement, the team revealed: “The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team confirms that we have today requested a Right of Review under Article 14.1.1 of the International Sporting Code…”

As the conversation continues, so does the time leading to the third leg of the triple-header. What looks to be a weekend of continued debate, the flames will surely be fueled after the FIA reviews and declares another result.

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