Lewis Hamilton accused of 'naughty' behaviour as Damon Hill

Lewis Hamilton accused of ‘naughty’ behaviour as Damon Hill sides with Russell….read more

Damon Hill has expressed concern over Lewis Hamilton’s aggressive driving tactics during the Mexican Grand Prix, particularly in his battle with teammate George Russell. The incident occurred early in the race, where Hamilton, starting behind Russell, managed to overtake him on the first lap. However, Russell quickly reclaimed his position, leading to a fierce contest between the two Mercedes drivers.

As Hamilton defended his position heading into Turn One, his sharp maneuvering drew the ire of Hill, a former world champion. On the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Hill described Hamilton’s actions as “a little bit naughty.” He argued that such aggressive tactics warrant scrutiny and emphasized the importance of involving former drivers in stewarding decisions regarding on-track incidents. According to Hill, these experienced racers can provide valuable insights into what constitutes acceptable driving behavior, as they have firsthand experience at that competitive level.

Hill lamented that former drivers who once advised stewards have become stewards themselves, making them subject to the same regulations as their colleagues. He suggested that a fresh perspective from a driver, like Martin Brundle, could lead to a more nuanced understanding of certain racing incidents. This idea was particularly relevant in assessing Hamilton’s late defensive move against Russell, which Hill viewed as questionable.

After the race, Hamilton managed to secure a fourth-place finish, with Russell finishing just behind him in fifth. Reflecting on their intense racing battle, Hamilton praised Russell, noting that both drivers are aware of the need to maintain respect and safety on the track. Hamilton acknowledged that the team reminded them to “keep it clean,” stressing that although they are teammates, they must exercise extra caution during their fights to ensure both can finish the race without incident.

Russell, for his part, seemed unfazed by Hamilton’s defensive maneuvers. He remarked that battling with Hamilton is always a challenge, but he appreciates that it is typically conducted in a fair manner. Russell’s comments suggest that while both drivers are competitive, there is a mutual respect that allows them to push each other without crossing the line.

The discussion around Hamilton’s tactics highlights ongoing conversations about sportsmanship and driving ethics in Formula 1. The competitive nature of the sport often leads to intense battles, especially between teammates. As both drivers strive for individual success while representing the same team, the balance between aggression and fairness becomes crucial.

Hill’s call for former drivers to have a role in stewarding decisions could lead to a more informed approach to evaluating such incidents in the future. The presence of experienced voices in the decision-making process might help clarify the standards for acceptable driving behavior and contribute to a more consistent application of rules.

In summary, the exchanges between Hamilton and Russell during the Mexican Grand Prix have reignited discussions on racing conduct. With Hill’s critique of Hamilton’s tactics, the episode underscores the need for careful consideration of competitive driving, particularly among teammates. As the sport evolves, the dialogue surrounding racing ethics remains vital to maintaining the integrity of Formula 1.