FIA Explains Real Reason Behind Lewis Hamilton’s Mexico GP Penalty

The FIA has released an official statement clarifying the circumstances behind Lewis Hamilton’s 10-second penalty during the Mexico City Grand Prix, which ultimately cost him a potential podium finish.

The incident occurred on lap four as Hamilton went side-by-side with Max Verstappen in a fierce battle for third place. The seven-time world champion was forced to take evasive action at Turn 4, cutting across the grass before rejoining the circuit ahead of Verstappen.

Earlier in the same sequence, Verstappen had made light contact with Hamilton at Turn 1, forcing the Brit wide. The Dutchman also briefly left the track before Turn 3 but was not penalized for either incident. Hamilton, however, was investigated for three separate offences on the same lap — including leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.

The FIA confirmed that the 10-second penalty was applied for the third offence. The stewards determined that Hamilton’s move at Turn 4 allowed him to gain an unfair advantage over Verstappen by rejoining the track in front without relinquishing the position.

Their statement read:

“Car 44 (HAM) locked brakes, left the track at Turn 4 and used the grass area while rejoining in the direction of Turn 5.
As the driver was unable to follow the prescribed route along the ‘yellow line’ due to excess speed, no breach of the Race Director’s Notes is deemed to have occurred.
However, by leaving the track and cutting the corner, the driver gained a lasting advantage, overtaking Car 1 (VER) and failing to give the position back thereafter. The standard penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is therefore imposed.”

The penalty saw Hamilton drop down the order, finishing eighth, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc — who had also gone off track at Turn 1 but did not surrender his position — managed to finish second.

Despite Ferrari’s recent progress, Hamilton was visibly frustrated after the race, remaining silent over team radio on his way back to the pits. The result marked another missed opportunity for the Brit, who continues his pursuit of a first podium in the 2025 season.