Lewis Hamilton’s fans have accused Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, of racism after the British driver was handed a 10-second penalty during Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion had qualified third behind Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris and appeared on course for his first podium of the season.
Starting on the clean side of the grid, Hamilton made a strong start, moving up to second after Leclerc ran wide at Turn 1. However, the Monegasque quickly rejoined the track ahead of the Mercedes driver.
Moments later, Hamilton found himself battling Max Verstappen. The two championship rivals made contact, forcing Verstappen wide. As the Red Bull driver rejoined the track, Hamilton attempted another move but went off track and was deemed to have gained an advantage.
Lewis Hamilton’s race ruined by penalty
The stewards reviewed the incident and decided to penalise Hamilton with a 10-second time penalty. The Brit served it during his pit stop, which dropped him down to eighth place. He eventually finished outside the top positions after struggling with pace for the remainder of the race.
Following the race, Hamilton’s fans expressed outrage on social media, accusing the FIA of racial bias. Many questioned why Leclerc and Verstappen were not penalised for their roles in separate incidents.
“Can only be described as blatant racism — all those off-track excursions and barging into each other, and the only driver to get penalised is Lewis Hamilton,” wrote one user, @michaelg67, on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan, @lebzalulu2, added: “What you are doing to Lewis Hamilton is not fair. What has he done to deserve this? Why are you ruining the sport because of your racism?”
Lewis Hamilton’s former teammate George Russell also criticised the FIA’s consistency, questioning why Verstappen and Leclerc escaped punishment while Hamilton was penalised.
The FIA has not yet issued a statement responding to the backlash.
