### Ferrari F1 Faces Backlash Over Lewis Hamilton's Controversial Penalty at Mexican GP The recent Mexican Grand Prix has ignited a heated debate in the Formula 1 community, particularly surrounding a 10-second time penalty imposed on Lewis Hamilton. This penalty, which many believe was unjust, has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, including Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur, who claims that the team is "paying the price" for the decision. The incident occurred during a fierce battle between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, leading to questions about the consistency of racing rules and the implications for Ferrari's performance in the championship. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **The Penalty Incident**: - Lewis Hamilton received a 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage during his battle with Max Verstappen at the Mexican Grand Prix [https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lewis-hamilton-penalty-f1-mexico-gp-ferrari-b2852586.html]. - This penalty effectively ended Hamilton's chances of securing a podium finish for Ferrari, a team he joined for the 2025 season [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-penalty-mexico-explanation-36137123]. 2. **Ferrari's Response**: - Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, expressed that the team is suffering due to the penalty, indicating that it reflects a broader issue within the sport regarding officiating consistency [https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1066252/ferrari-f1-paying-price-lewis-hamilton-mistake-fred-vasseur]. - The team labeled the penalty as "harsh," aligning with Hamilton's own sentiments about the decision [https://dailygp.com/en/hamilton-assesses-mexico-penalty-as-ferrari-label-it-harsh]. 3. **Hamilton's Reaction**: - Hamilton reacted furiously to the penalty, showcasing his competitive nature and dissatisfaction with the stewards' decision [https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/lewis-hamilton-mexico-gp-penalty-36140554]. - His comments post-race reflected a sense of injustice, particularly as Verstappen did not receive any penalty for similar on-track behavior [https://www.the-express.com/sport/motorsport/188627/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-f1-mexican-gp]. 4. **Fan and Expert Opinions**: - The penalty has sparked outrage among fans and experts alike, with many calling for a review of the rules to ensure fairness in officiating [https://scuderiafans.com/ferrari-lewis-hamilton-penalty-sparks-unanimous-response-from-formula-1-fans-in-mexico]. - The inconsistency in penalties has raised questions about the FIA's regulatory framework and its application during races [https://autogear.pt/en/hamiltons-fury-mexico-grand-prix-penalty-sparks-outrage-over-inconsistent-racing-rules]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Claims - **Penalty Statistics**: - Hamilton's 10-second penalty was one of the most discussed topics post-race, with many citing it as a pivotal moment that altered the race's outcome [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-penalty-mexico-36136693]. - Comparatively, Verstappen's lack of penalty for similar actions has been highlighted as a significant inconsistency in the enforcement of racing rules [https://www.the-express.com/sport/motorsport/188589/f1-stewards-issue-double-statement-lewis-hamilton-penalty-after-max-verstappen-call]. ### Conclusion: Implications for Ferrari and F1 **In summary**, the 10-second penalty imposed on Lewis Hamilton during the Mexican Grand Prix has not only affected his race but has also raised critical questions about the consistency of Formula 1's officiating. 1. **Impact on Ferrari**: The penalty has been detrimental to Ferrari's performance and reputation, as highlighted by Vasseur's comments [https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1066252/ferrari-f1-paying-price-lewis-hamilton-mistake-fred-vasseur]. 2. **Calls for Change**: There is a growing consensus among fans and experts that the FIA needs to reassess its penalty framework to ensure fairness and consistency across all races [https://autogear.pt/en/hamiltons-fury-mexico-grand-prix-penalty-sparks-outrage-over-inconsistent-racing-rules]. 3. **Future Implications**: The incident may have lasting effects on Hamilton's and Ferrari's strategies moving forward, as they navigate the complexities of racing regulations and competitive dynamics in the championship [https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/lewis-hamilton-mexico-gp-penalty-36140554].