Lews Hamilton Criticizes F1 Officiating After Verstappen Edges Norris in Controversial US Grand Prix Incident

Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton voiced frustration over the officiating, suggesting that Max Verstappen has “gotten away with it for so long.” The incident occurred as Verstappen clashed with Lando Norris in a heated fight for third place, resulting in a five-second penalty for Norris, who subsequently lost his podium spot.

Race stewards ruled that Norris “lost the right” to complete his overtake on Turn 12, referencing regulations that require a driver overtaking on the outside to have “the front axle at least alongside the front axle of the other car at the apex of the corner and to the exit.” Both drivers went off track, but officials determined Norris was at fault.

Hamilton, who races for Mercedes, criticized the ambiguity in F1 rules, stating that some “grey areas” appear to favor Verstappen. “It’s always been a grey area,” Hamilton remarked. “That’s why he’s gotten away with it for so long. They probably need to make some adjustments, for sure. Also, you do have inconsistencies on rulings, weekend in, weekend out, depending on which stewards are there.”

Hamilton called for a more consistent approach to race officiating, suggesting that F1 should consider full-time referees, much like other global sports. “As a sport, we do need to level up on all areas,” he said. “You look at other global sports, they have full-time refs, and I’m sure that wouldn’t be a bad thing for our sport.”

Hamilton reflected on his own past confrontations with Verstappen, pointing out a similar incident at the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix. “It’s interesting people are talking about it now because the same thing happened to me in 2021,” he noted. “If you take Brazil into account, for example, under braking you’re ahead but then the car [on the inside] just comes off the brakes and doesn’t make the corner and you have to go wide.”

McLaren has filed a right of review challenge to contest the penalty handed to Norris, a move supported by the 24-year-old driver. “I think the fact of getting off your brakes to achieve just the ruling of being ahead at apex, no matter how wide you run on the exit, is incorrect,” said Norris. “I don’t think that’s how racing should be.”

The review will be heard today as F1 officials consider whether further action is warranted.