In a dramatic turn of events at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been handed a significant double penalty that will impact his starting position at the next Formula 1 grand prix.
First-Lap Incident Sparks Controversy
The Mercedes driver found himself at the centre of controversy after making contact with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during the opening moments of the Mexico City Grand Prix. The collision occurred as Hamilton attempted an ambitious overtaking manoeuvre on the approach to Turn 1, resulting in both cars sustaining damage and compromising their races.
Race stewards investigated the incident thoroughly, reviewing multiple camera angles and telemetry data before reaching their verdict. The decision to penalise Hamilton was based on his car being "predominantly to blame" for the collision that effectively ended Leclerc's chances of a strong points finish.
Double Blow for Mercedes Star
The penalties imposed represent a significant setback for Hamilton's championship aspirations:
- A 10-second time penalty applied during the Mexico race
- Two penalty points added to his racing licence
- The incident marks Hamilton's first penalty points of the current season
This double punishment compounds what has already been a challenging season for the British racing legend, who now faces an uphill battle in the drivers' championship standings.
Ferrari's Frustration Mounts
For the Scuderia Ferrari team, the incident represents another disappointing outcome in a season filled with missed opportunities. Charles Leclerc, who had qualified strongly and showed promising pace throughout the weekend, saw his race compromised through no fault of his own.
"The collision forced an unscheduled pit stop for the Monegasque driver, dropping him to the back of the field and effectively ending his chances of challenging for podium positions," noted one team insider.
Championship Implications
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to an already tense championship battle. With Hamilton receiving penalty points on his licence and a grid position penalty looming for the next race, the competitive landscape continues to shift dramatically as the season reaches its climax.
The stewards' decision underscores the zero-tolerance approach to racing incidents that compromise other drivers' races, particularly during critical championship phases.
