Lewis Hamilton has urged Formula One to implement a major rule change that could significantly affect Max Verstappen.
Hamilton and Verstappen have shared several intense battles in recent years, with the most memorable being the controversial Abu Dhabi race three years ago. Since then, Red Bull has largely dominated, leaving few head-to-head matchups between Hamilton and Verstappen, as McLaren’s Lando Norris has emerged as Verstappen’s main competitor this season.
In a recent clash at the United States Grand Prix, Norris received a five-second penalty for overtaking Verstappen outside track limits, which cost him his podium spot. The stewards ruled that Norris “lost the right” to pass Verstappen, penalizing the Briton while Verstappen faced no consequences, despite Norris alleging that Verstappen committed a similar move on the race’s first corner.
Hamilton believes the rules need amending to prevent Verstappen from gaining similar advantages in the future.
“This has always been a grey area,” said Hamilton, 39. “That’s why he’s gotten away with it for so long.”
Hamilton also noted inconsistent rulings depending on the stewards in charge each weekend and suggested Formula One might benefit from full-time referees, as other global sports have.
“I’ve experienced it many times with Max. You shouldn’t be able to just dive up the inside, go off, and still keep the position,” he added.
Hamilton referenced the Brazilian Grand Prix as an example, where Verstappen was penalized for causing a first-lap collision with him following a safety car restart.
He explained, “In Brazil, for instance, you’re ahead under braking, but then the car on the inside just comes off the brakes, can’t make the corner, and forces you wide. They’ll then rule that both cars went off track, but you didn’t have a choice if you wanted to avoid a collision.
“There definitely needs to be a rule change here because this is happening far too often. A driver shouldn’t be able to come off the brakes, carry extra speed, go off track, and still keep their position.”
With the next GP set in Mexico, Verstappen holds a 57-point lead in the drivers’ standings, with 146 points still available over the last five races.