Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his race start, his battle with Max Verstappen and the 10-second time penalty he received, and the major takeaways from the weekend following his tough P8 finish at the F1 Mexico City GP.
After securing his first top three in Grand Prix qualifying since joining Ferrari, Hamilton had a great launch off the line in Sunday’s race.
However, the chaotic start saw four cars tussle for P1 into the first corner, with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc going wide along the way. While the Monégasque ceded the race lead to Lando Norris, the Dutchman slotted into third behind Hamilton.
On Lap 6, Verstappen dived to the inside of Turn 1 and made contact before running wide and returning to the track ahead of Hamilton, beyond the exit of Turn 3.
In an attempt to repass the Red Bull driver, the seven-time world champion pulled alongside on the entry to Turn 4, locked up, and cut across the grass after failing to take the prescribed escape road. Hamilton eventually rejoined the track ahead of his long-standing rival.
The stewards noted the Brit for failing to follow the Race Director’s instructions regarding the escape road and later hit him with a 10-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage in his battle with Verstappen.
Hamilton had to serve the penalty as he made his first pit stop of the race, thereby quashing his hopes of securing his first podium of the season for Ferrari.
Hamilton happy with his race start but feels penalty was shocking
Speaking in the print media pen after the F1 race, Lewis Hamilton elaborated on his fantastic launch from P3 at the Mexico City GP on Sunday. At the same time, he appeared rather confounded that Verstappen and Leclerc had faced no consequences for their off-track excursions on the opening lap.
“I had a great start. Braking into Turn 1, I was into P2. I navigated through 1 and 2 and 3. I didn’t go off track. Others cut it and held position and didn’t get penalties. It was pretty nuts.”
In terms of Verstappen avoiding a penalty for making contact on Lap 6 and whether the stewards’ verdict surprised him, Hamilton remarked that their wheel-banging battle was just part of racing. However, the Ferrari driver was quick to point out that the FIA opting to only penalise him for going wide and retaining the position felt unreasonable.
“It felt like racing; I was fine there. It was just the cutting and then I’m the only one to get a 10-second penalty. It’s kind of nuts. 10 seconds, stop and go.”
Asked to comment on the lack of grip he had referred to and whether there was something wrong with the car, Hamilton clarified why he couldn’t have done more to stick to the escape road in his battle with Verstappen.
“No, I pinched the right front. I went to go down the exit road, but it’s the dustiest place on earth. I couldn’t slow the car down, so I ended up cutting the grass.”
Hamilton’s progress slow but steady
Lewis Hamilton was clearly disappointed with the final outcome on Sunday after the strong qualifying session he had at the Mexico City GP. Nonetheless, the 40-year-old admitted that there were some encouraging developments during the race weekend.
“I’m not […] what position I’m in, so still some positives to take from the weekend.”
With regard to whether anything specific had clicked for him at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez or whether it was just the impact of the steady progress he has been making the last few race weekends, Hamilton responded that he was pleased with his gradual improvement.
“Slowly, just slowly. Glad to be getting a bit better.”
In terms of the predicted rain showers at the upcoming Brazilian GP and whether he expects to maximise his race weekend at one of his favourite circuits, Hamilton admitted that he is unsure about how the remaining rounds would unfold. Nevertheless, the Brit added that he would try and put his best foot forward despite the factors that are putting him at a disadvantage.
“I really, really don’t know what to expect moving forward, but I’ll keep trying. I’ll get up tomorrow and train and try and prepare. I can’t let those that are not necessarily being helpful stop me from trying.”
