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Debate | Should Hamilton have received at least one grid penalty?

Debate | Should Hamilton have received at least one grid penalty?

04-12-2021 23:46
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GPblog.com

Lewis Hamilton had to go to the stewards after the third free practice session for two things, but he was spared a grid penalty. But is this fair? We're happy to put it to you.

Double yellow

Max Verstappen received a five-place grid penalty in Qatar after ignoring a double yellow flag. Lewis Hamilton was also shown a double yellow, but the FIA claims this was because the signal was accidentally activated by the FIA Marshalling System. This was not the intention, so the double yellow lasted less than a second.

Hamilton however did not notice this and therefore did not slow down. Helmut Marko was quite upset about this, although Red Bull didn't think there was any chance of protesting this decision with the same stewards. But: double yellow is double yellow, right? Or did the stewards make the right decision here?

Mazepin tangle

In FP3 Hamilton bothered both Pierre Gasly and Nikita Mazepin. For the latter he had to answer to the stewards, but also in this case no grid penalty was imposed. Earlier in the season, this happened to Sebastian Vettel. The reason the stewards decided to impose a grid penalty was miscommunication at the moment Mazepin drove past.

Ten seconds earlier Hamilton had received a warning from 'Bono', so the seven times world champion could have known the Haas F1 driver was approaching and on a fast lap. Despite that, the stewards decided to keep it at a fine of 25,000 euros for the Mercedes team. Was it right?

Question

We would like to know if you agree or disagree with the following statement: Hamilton should have received at least one grid penalty. Let us know in the poll and join the discussion in the comments!