Max Verstappen Responds to Lewis Hamilton’s “Double Standards” Claim After Mexican GP Penalty Drama
Max Verstappen has responded strongly to Lewis Hamilton’s accusation that Formula 1’s stewards applied “double standards” during the Mexican Grand Prix, where Hamilton was handed a 10-second penalty that ruined his hopes of securing a first podium finish with Ferrari.
Hamilton’s race ended in frustration after he was penalized for leaving the track at Turn 4 and gaining a lasting advantage over Verstappen. The penalty dropped him from a promising fifth place to a disappointing eighth, prompting the seven-time world champion to accuse the FIA of inconsistency in its decisions.
Speaking after the race in Mexico City, Hamilton didn’t hold back his emotions, claiming he felt betrayed by the governing body. “Ultimately, I feel very let down by the FIA,” Hamilton told DAZN. “It’s double standards, as you can tell, and it is what it is.”
Hamilton’s frustration came from his belief that other drivers committed similar offences earlier in the race without being punished. At the race start, both Verstappen and Charles Leclerc ran wide at Turn 1 and appeared to gain an advantage — Leclerc overtaking Lando Norris for the lead and Verstappen moving past Hamilton for third. However, neither was penalized by the stewards.
The decision led some fans and pundits to argue that the FIA’s enforcement of track limits and advantage rules lacked consistency, especially given how harshly Hamilton was treated later in the race. But Verstappen was quick to counter this argument, insisting that the difference lay in how each situation unfolded.
In his own interview with DAZN, Verstappen defended the stewards’ handling of the situation and dismissed Hamilton’s claims of bias. “That’s racing,” Verstappen said confidently. “It’s what we can do within the regulations. It’s what the stewards allow us to do. It’s been done to me too, so why shouldn’t I be allowed to do the same? It’s the same for everyone.”
Verstappen went on to explain that both he and Leclerc gave back any potential advantage they gained at the start. After running off-track at Turn 1, Leclerc immediately slowed and allowed Norris to retake the lead, while Verstappen eased off to avoid maintaining a lasting benefit over Hamilton. The FIA stewards, upon reviewing the incident, concluded that neither driver had gained a “lasting advantage,” and therefore, no penalty was warranted.
Hamilton’s case, however, was viewed differently. When he went off the track at Turn 4 to stay ahead of Verstappen, he rejoined significantly in front of the Dutchman and did not surrender the position. As a result, the stewards deemed that Hamilton had gained a “sporting advantage,” triggering the standard 10-second time penalty.
Further context from the FIA’s sporting regulations supports this interpretation. The rule regarding “leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage” states: “A sporting advantage towards another competitor was gained, either in time, position, or maintenance of a position.” The typical punishment for such an offence is a 10-second penalty, with the possibility of a drive-through or a reduced five-second penalty in mitigating circumstances.
While Hamilton and Ferrari were left fuming, Red Bull and Verstappen viewed the decision as a straightforward application of the rules. Verstappen emphasized that he, too, had been penalized for similar incidents in the past and saw no special treatment at play. “Sometimes it goes against you, sometimes in your favour. That’s just how racing is,” he added.
The exchange reignited a familiar rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen — one that has simmered since their fierce 2021 championship battle. Both drivers have often found themselves on opposite sides of controversial stewarding decisions, and Hamilton’s suggestion of bias will only add more tension to their already intense history.
F1 pundits and fans remain divided over the incident. Some believe Hamilton was unfairly targeted due to his high profile, while others argue that his penalty was entirely justified based on the regulations. The debate underscores an ongoing issue in Formula 1 — the perception of inconsistency in race officiating.
With only a few rounds left in the 2025 season, emotions are running high as both Verstappen and Hamilton fight to end the year on a strong note. For Hamilton, who is still chasing his first Ferrari podium, the penalty was a bitter pill to swallow. For Verstappen, it was another opportunity to demonstrate his dominance — not just on the track, but in defending his actions with confidence.
In the end, Verstappen’s message was clear: the rules are the same for everyone, and Hamilton’s frustration, while understandable, does not change the facts. As he put it, “It’s racing. Sometimes you’re the one who benefits, sometimes you’re not. That’s how it goes.”
Hamilton, meanwhile, has vowed to move on but hinted that the FIA must address its approach to ensure fairness and transparency in future races. Whether or not the governing body responds, the Mexican Grand Prix has once again reminded everyone that the battle between Verstappen and Hamilton extends far beyond the track — it’s also a clash of perceptions, pride, and principles in Formula 1’s ever-evolving world.
