FIA PENALTY: Lewis Hamilton – Review the Penalty IMMEDIATELY ‘ or I will STOP…. Read more
Lewis Hamilton Demands FIA Review After Controversial Mexican GP Penalty, Accuses Verstappen of Cheating
By Hugo Harvey – Mexico City, October 31, 2025
The 2025 Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix has erupted into controversy after Lewis Hamilton furiously demanded that the FIA “review the penalty immediately,” threatening to stop racing if the decision stands. The seven-time world champion was the only driver penalized following a dramatic on-track battle with Max Verstappen, which reignited their fierce rivalry in explosive fashion.
Hamilton, who started the race from third on the grid, was in contention for his first victory with Ferrari before being handed a 10-second time penalty for allegedly exceeding track limits and gaining an advantage during his wheel-to-wheel clash with Verstappen at Turn 4. The penalty dropped him from a potential podium finish to sixth place — a decision that left the British driver visibly furious and demanding answers from race control.
According to reports from the Ferrari pit wall, Hamilton shouted over team radio: “Review the penalty immediately, or I will stop racing! This is unacceptable. I raced cleanly — Max pushed me off!” His outburst came moments after the FIA confirmed the penalty, sparking a heated debate that dominated post-race discussions in Mexico City.
A Race Filled with Tension
The tension between Hamilton and Verstappen, already among the most intense rivalries in Formula 1 history, boiled over once again. Midway through the race, the two went side by side into Turn 1, with Hamilton momentarily gaining the advantage before running wide into Turn 4. The stewards ruled that he left the track and rejoined ahead of Verstappen, thereby gaining an “unfair advantage.”
Ferrari immediately protested the decision, arguing that Verstappen had forced Hamilton off the circuit and that the Briton had no room to maneuver safely back on track. Team principal Fred Vasseur expressed frustration, saying, “We believe Lewis followed the racing line and was pushed wide. It’s disappointing that only one driver was penalized when both were involved in the same incident.”
The FIA, however, stood by its ruling, claiming that Hamilton “failed to return the position gained” after leaving the track, which justified the 10-second time penalty.
Hamilton Fires Back at the FIA
Hamilton’s anger was not limited to the stewards’ decision. In the post-race press conference, the Ferrari driver didn’t mince words, accusing the governing body of inconsistency and bias. “It feels like there are different rules for different drivers,” Hamilton said. “I’ve seen Max do far worse and escape with nothing. Today, I race hard, and suddenly I’m the only one punished. It’s ridiculous.”
He went even further by accusing Verstappen of “cheating” to secure his win. “He knew exactly what he was doing — he forced me off and benefited from it. That’s not racing; that’s manipulation,” Hamilton claimed.
Verstappen Responds
Verstappen, who went on to take victory in Mexico for the fourth time in his career, fired back sharply at Hamilton’s remarks. “Lewis always has an excuse when things don’t go his way,” the Red Bull driver said. “He should focus on driving instead of complaining. The stewards made their decision, and it’s done. I raced fairly and within the rules.”
The Dutchman’s comments came across as dismissive, further fueling the already fiery atmosphere between the two champions.
FIA Under Pressure
The FIA has found itself under growing scrutiny from fans, teams, and pundits alike. Social media exploded with reactions after the race, with many accusing the organization of favoritism and double standards. The hashtags #JusticeForHamilton and #FIAFavoritism trended globally within an hour of the race’s conclusion.
F1 pundit and former driver David Coulthard weighed in, saying: “This decision will divide the paddock. If Hamilton was forced off, then the penalty doesn’t hold. If he went wide by choice, it does. The FIA must provide transparency because incidents like this can damage the sport’s credibility.”
Ferrari Considering Formal Appeal
Ferrari has indicated that they may lodge an official appeal against the penalty. Vasseur confirmed that the team’s legal department is reviewing the race footage and FIA documentation. “We will take this to the FIA’s International Court of Appeal if necessary,” he said. “We owe it to Lewis and to fair competition.”
Championship Implications
The Mexican GP result tightened the championship standings. Verstappen extended his lead, while Hamilton slipped further behind in the drivers’ title race — a blow to Ferrari’s hopes of challenging Red Bull for both championships.
As Formula 1 heads to São Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix next week, the fallout from Mexico shows no signs of cooling. Hamilton’s threat to “stop racing” unless the FIA reconsiders its ruling underscores the gravity of the situation — and ensures that this controversy will dominate headlines for days to come.
The FIA has yet to release a formal statement addressing Hamilton’s accusations or confirming whether a review will be conducted. For now, the Formula 1 world waits — divided once again by one of its most iconic and combustible rivalries.
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