Lewis Hamilton slams FIA over 'poor communication' amid US Grand Prix PENALTY rumours

Lewis Hamilton talking to the press in Austria — Photo: © LAT Images

Latest F1 News

Hamilton slams FIA over 'poor communication' amid US Grand Prix PENALTY rumours

The seven-time world champion has found himself under the microscope with the FIA

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Friday 20 October 2023 21:42

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has said that there has been 'poor communication' from the FIA, after they announced last week that they would 'revisit' his Qatar Grand Prix infraction.

The seven-time world champion crashed out of the race on lap one after a controversial collision with his team-mate George Russell.

Having to make his way back to the pits at the Losail International Circuit after being stuck in the gravel, Hamilton hopped out of his car and cut across the track during the middle of the race, something that is a breach of FIA regulations.

Article continues under video

The Mercedes star was fined for the infringement initially, but over a week later, the FIA decided they would 'revisit' the incident due to Hamilton's influence amongst others as a multi championship-winning driver.

This led to some rumours that the Brit may end up with a penalty heading into the United States GP, but he has revealed that this won't be the case, and that the FIA just meant that they will be looking at incidents of the same nature differently moving forward.

Lewis Hamilton has been in trouble with the FIA, after crossing the track following a collision with George Russell

Karun Chandhok recently backed Lewis Hamilton, stating that there have been similar incidents that have gone unpunished this season

Max Verstappen appeared to cross the track after his dramatic collision with Lewis Hamilton at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix

Hamilton: 'We need to make sure focus is on safety'

Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok recently backed Hamilton, suggesting that the clampdown singled out the Brit, as other drivers have committed similar infringements this season.

“I don’t think I was singled out," Hamilton told media ahead of the US GP.

"Ultimately, I think it’s just poor communication.

“I don’t think what they’ve said is exactly what they meant. I think what they mean is they are just going to look into how they can tackle those sorts of things going forwards to make sure it doesn’t happen.

“I think there was a karting incident recently where a kid was hit, so we really need to make sure that we’re continuously focusing on safety. I think that’s really at the root of it.

"But I just think they probably need to speak to their PR agent to do a better job.”