Imagine this: a heated Formula 1 race, a controversial penalty, and a legendary driver defending the decision. That's exactly what happened when Lewis Hamilton received a 10-second time penalty at the Mexican Grand Prix, and 1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve stepped in to call it 'deserved.' But here's where it gets controversial—was this penalty truly fair, or did it go too far? Let’s dive into the details and uncover the full story.
The stage was set at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had secured a promising third-place qualifying position. For Ferrari, this was Hamilton’s best shot yet at a podium finish. But the race’s opening moments turned chaotic, and Hamilton’s hopes were dashed in a fierce battle with Max Verstappen. On lap six, Verstappen made a bold move, diving down the inside at the first corner. The fight continued through turns two and three, culminating in a dramatic moment at turn four that changed everything.
Hamilton locked up his brakes, veered across the escape road, and ended up on the grass. He rejoined the track well ahead of Verstappen, gaining a significant advantage. And this is the part most people miss—Hamilton didn’t surrender the position or the time he’d gained, leading to a 10-second penalty served during his first pit stop. While Hamilton was understandably frustrated, Villeneuve firmly believes the stewards made the right call.
When asked about the fairness of the penalty on the Sky F1 podcast, Villeneuve didn’t hold back: 'It was a deserved penalty. Ten seconds sounds harsh, especially in such a tight race, but the issue goes deeper. Hamilton couldn’t simply give the position back to Max, and even if he hadn’t cut the track, he likely would’ve lost a place or two after going wide. The real problem? He rejoined the track with a 100-metre lead and kept it, gaining a massive advantage over the entire field, not just Verstappen. And he didn’t even attempt to slow down or rectify the situation.'
Here’s the controversial question: Did Hamilton intentionally exploit the situation, or was it a split-second decision in the heat of the race? Villeneuve’s stance is clear, but what do you think? Was the penalty justified, or did it unfairly penalize a driver caught in the moment? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
