HOT TAKE: Drivers can ignore 'gentlemen agreements' from now on

For a sport that is seemingly simple (drive as fast as possible around a circuit and the first one to the finish wins), the FIA has set up an extensive sporting code. The different ways to get a grid penalty seem endless. Still, there are some gaps in the regulations which cause problems from time to time.

We saw an example of this during qualifying for the Styrian Grand Prix. It is an unwritten rule in the regulations, but drivers have an agreement with each other that they will not jump the queue that is formed before they start their fast lap in qualifying. This can ruin an attempt at a fast lap.

Same offence, different reaction

There is a gentlemen's agreement on this and when Nikita Mazepin broke it in Bahrain earlier this year, the criticism was enormous. Both drivers and media completely criticised the Russian. Now Lewis Hamilton does exactly the same in Austria and it remains almost silent.

Something is not right there. It is unacceptable that a driver is only held to this agreement when he is not popular. Then make it an official rule and as long as that is not the case, everyone should do what he likes. Hamilton has proven today that this is possible.