F1 News
Reaction to the review of Hamilton's incident: 'What about Verstappen?'
- Ludo van Denderen
The FIA's decision to investigate Lewis Hamilton's walk across the track during the Qatar Grand Prix is sparking outrage here and there. Karun Chandhok notes Max Verstappen was previously not given a penalty for a similar offence, which the FIA calls "serious".
After his collision with George Russell, Hamilton crossed the track on foot in Qatar. For that, he was already reprimanded and fined €50,000, of which €25,000 was conditional. On Sunday, the motorsport federation FIA decided to launch another investigation into the incident on their own initiative, saying Hamilton was "a role model".
A short statement read: "The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent Stewards hearing in to the incident and acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach. However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers."
Chandhok doesn't understand FIA
Karun Chandhok thinks it is a remarkable decision by the FIA. On X, he reports, "Not saying this should be condoned, but I’m sure Lewis isn’t the first person to do this… Didn’t Sargeant cross the track just at the previous event in Japan?"
Not saying this should be condoned but I’m sure Lewis isn’t the first person to do this… Didn’t Sargeant cross the track just at the previous event in Japan?
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) October 15, 2023
Bit odd to talk about precedent when other people have done it before https://t.co/NpSLieV5Fe
Moreover, in a second Tweet, Chandhok stated: "I think Max at Monza 2021 is another example," said the Indian, who has been met with approval on X. Formula 1 fans on social media name other drivers who crossed the track while running during a Grand Prix and either received no punishment for it or on top of it, an investigation by the FIA. A few commented that 'Verstappen apparently "has no role model".