The recent decision to hand Sir Lewis Hamilton a three-place grid penalty for allegedly impeding Max Verstappen highlights the growing perception of bias in Formula 1’s stewarding decisions. While rules must be enforced, consistency is vital—and that’s where the FIA appears to be falling short. During practice, Hamilton was involved in an incident caused by a group of drivers going unnecessarily slow, compromising his line and leading to a crash. Despite this, not a single driver was penalised for dangerous driving or causing an obstruction. It begs the question: why the double standard?
Sir Lewis, a seven-time world champion, has often faced questionable scrutiny, while others seemingly evade similar consequences. Most notably, recent allegations surfaced suggesting that Red Bull’s car might feature a mechanism to alter its ride height mid-race—an illegal advantage if proven true. Reports indicate that another team brought this to the FIA’s attention, demanding an investigation. Strangely, there has been no public follow-up, no visible scrutiny, and certainly no penalties. This raises eyebrows, especially when Verstappen, the direct beneficiary, is involved.
Formula 1 prides itself on fairness, innovation, and competition. Yet, when the sport appears to shield some while punishing others disproportionately, it undermines its integrity. Fans and teams alike deserve transparency and equality in enforcement. Hamilton being penalised while Verstappen and others escape without thorough examination contributes to the growing belief that the playing field is no longer level. The FIA must act to restore faith in its governance—through consistency, accountability, and transparency.