Breaking: Lewis Hamilton Smirks at Verstappen After Norris INCIDENCE at Mexico City Grand Prix…Read More
Hamilton Smirks at Verstappen After Norris Collision at Mexico City Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton found himself amused during the recent Mexico City Grand Prix, especially in light of Max Verstappen’s controversial racing maneuvers. In the early laps of the race, Hamilton spotted a “plume of smoke” ahead, leading him to suspect that Verstappen was once again embroiled in a collision, a sentiment that would soon prove to be accurate.
On lap 10 of 71 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Verstappen clashed with Lando Norris not once, but twice. Hamilton, driving behind them, had a front-row view of the second incident at Turn 7, where the Dutch driver forced Norris wide, leading to a significant penalty. Ultimately, Verstappen was assessed a 10-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an unfair advantage by pushing Norris off. This penalty was compounded by an earlier one for a similar incident at Turn 4, resulting in a total of 20 seconds added to his pit stop time.
Despite the setbacks, Verstappen managed to recover and finish in sixth place, while Norris secured a strong second position. However, had it not been for Verstappen’s aggressive tactics, Norris might have clinched victory, making the situation all the more frustrating for the McLaren driver.
Hamilton, who is no stranger to the intricacies of racing dynamics with Verstappen, expressed no surprise at his former rival’s involvement in the unfolding drama. He noted, “I have not seen it,” but upon seeing the dust cloud, he concluded, “I knew it must have been [Verstappen].” The seven-time world champion chuckled as he remarked, “Like, for sure it was him,” highlighting his long-standing familiarity with Verstappen’s racing style.
This incident comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny regarding driving standards within Formula 1, especially after the previous race at the Circuit of the Americas, where Norris and Verstappen’s tussles sparked discussions on the boundaries of acceptable racing behavior. Hamilton, who has had his fair share of intense battles with Verstappen during their championship clash in the tumultuous 2021 season, has been vocal about the need for clearer regulations in the sport.
“That’s why he’s [Verstappen] got away with it for so long,” Hamilton reflected, pointing out the grey areas that have allowed such driving styles to persist without significant repercussions. He added, “You shouldn’t be able to just launch the car up the inside and be ahead and then go off, and still hold the position.” His comments emphasize the growing concern among drivers about maintaining a level of fair play in the sport, particularly when aggressive tactics can alter race outcomes.
As the season progresses, the focus on driving standards and the stewards’ enforcement of the rules becomes increasingly critical. With the stakes higher than ever, Hamilton’s insights shed light on the complexities of racing against a driver like Verstappen, who often pushes the boundaries of acceptable conduct on the track.
In summary, Hamilton’s laughter at Verstappen’s missteps during the Mexico City Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the ongoing rivalry between these two elite drivers. As they continue to navigate the intricate dynamics of Formula 1, discussions around race conduct and fairness will likely remain at the forefront of the conversation, influencing both current competitors and future generations of drivers. The narrative surrounding their rivalry is far from over, and each race presents new opportunities for drama, competition, and perhaps more controversy.
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