Formula 1 stewards have disclosed the rationale behind penalizing Lewis Hamilton in the Mexico City Grand Prix. During a fierce battle with Max Verstappen, Hamilton veered off the track, triggering an investigation. Verstappen urged for a penalty against his rival, leading the stewards to act.

After scrutiny, Hamilton was initially cleared for not using the designated escape route as instructed by the race director. The stewards justified this by citing that Hamilton’s excessive speed prevented him from adhering to the prescribed path. Consequently, no action was taken in this regard.

However, the stewards determined that Hamilton, by leaving the track and gaining an unfair advantage, deserved a 10-second time penalty. This penalty was enforced while Hamilton was in third place, causing him to drop several positions after serving the penalty.

Despite his frustration over the penalty, Hamilton eventually finished in eighth place. The stewards clarified that by cutting the corner and gaining an advantage, Hamilton breached the rules, overtaking Verstappen without giving back the position, leading to the imposed penalty.

During the race, Hamilton expressed his displeasure over the penalty, highlighting the challenging conditions on the track. He also mentioned his disappointment with the race outcome but acknowledged the nature of motor racing.

For Formula 1 enthusiasts, Sky offers a comprehensive package that includes live coverage of all sessions, along with access to various TV channels, Netflix, and Discovery+. Hamilton’s post-race comments reflected his disappointment with the result and the challenging circumstances he faced during the Grand Prix.