Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has called on the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), to introduce greater transparency and consistency in its decision-making following his controversial penalty at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The British driver, who has long been a vocal advocate for fairness and accountability in Formula 1, expressed his frustration ahead of this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix, saying the sport must do more to explain the reasoning behind its disciplinary decisions.
The controversy stems from Hamilton’s five-second penalty during the race in Mexico last month, which demoted him from a podium position to fifth place. The sanction, imposed for what stewards deemed an “unsafe maneuver” during an on-track battle, reignited debate over inconsistent officiating in Formula 1 — an issue that has persisted for several seasons. Hamilton, speaking during Thursday’s press conference in Brazil, said that the FIA’s opaque decision-making process is eroding trust between drivers, teams, and fans.
“There needs to be more clarity and transparency in how these decisions are made,” Hamilton told reporters. “When penalties are handed out, we should all understand the why and the how. It’s not just about me — every driver deserves consistency, and the fans deserve to know what’s really going on.”
Hamilton’s comments come at a time when the FIA is under renewed scrutiny for its handling of in-race incidents and the consistency of its stewarding. Over the past few years, drivers and teams have increasingly criticized the governing body for unclear rule enforcement and a lack of communication following key decisions. Many have pointed out that identical infractions often receive vastly different punishments depending on the event, the driver, or even the stewards on duty that weekend.
The Mercedes driver’s call for reform is not new, but it has gained momentum following several high-profile controversies, including those involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc earlier this season. Hamilton, who is known for his calm yet assertive approach, emphasized that his goal is not to attack officials personally but to push for systemic improvement. “We all make mistakes, and stewards have a tough job,” he said. “But when you have a multi-billion-dollar sport watched by millions, there has to be a standard that everyone can understand. It’s about fairness and credibility.”
The FIA responded briefly to Hamilton’s remarks through a spokesperson, stating that the organization “constantly reviews its stewarding processes to ensure consistency and clarity.” However, the statement stopped short of acknowledging any specific shortcomings or announcing potential reforms.
Hamilton’s stance has received support from several other drivers, including McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who echoed the call for clearer communication. “Sometimes we get penalties that surprise even us,” Norris commented. “If we had more transparency — maybe even hearing the stewards explain their decisions publicly — it would help everyone.”
Experts agree that Formula 1’s officiating system remains one of its most controversial aspects. The sport’s regulations are notoriously complex, and while the FIA employs a rotating panel of stewards to maintain impartiality, this often results in differing interpretations of similar incidents. In recent years, the FIA has attempted to address this through data-driven reviews and increased training, but critics say the progress has been slow and inconsistent.
For Hamilton, the timing of his criticism is significant. As he nears the twilight of his career, the British driver has become more outspoken about broader issues within the sport — from diversity and sustainability to governance and ethics. His comments in São Paulo reflect not only a personal frustration but also a desire to see Formula 1 evolve into a more transparent and accountable organization.
This latest dispute also adds another layer to Hamilton’s complex relationship with the FIA, which dates back to several controversial moments in his career. The most notable was the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when a contentious late-race decision by the race director cost him what would have been a record-breaking eighth world title. That event led to widespread backlash and forced the FIA to restructure parts of its race management system. Yet, as Hamilton’s latest remarks show, concerns about fairness and communication remain unresolved.
Team principal Toto Wolff has publicly backed his driver’s stance, saying that greater transparency would benefit everyone involved in the sport. “Lewis is absolutely right,” Wolff said. “Formula 1 needs to be clear, structured, and transparent. These are world-class athletes operating at the highest level, and they deserve consistency. The fans, too, want to understand why decisions are made.”
Fans have also weighed in across social media, with many agreeing that inconsistent officiating has become one of Formula 1’s biggest frustrations. Hashtags like #F1Transparency and #JusticeForHamilton began trending shortly after his comments, highlighting widespread support for reform. Many argue that introducing post-race explanations or releasing steward radio communications — similar to VAR reviews in football — could help restore confidence in the fairness of the competition.
As Hamilton prepares to race in São Paulo, the focus will once again be on his performance on track. But even as he continues to chase race wins and podium finishes, his influence off the track is proving just as impactful. His call for transparency may not lead to immediate change, but it has reignited a conversation that Formula 1 can no longer ignore.
Hamilton’s unwavering commitment to accountability reflects his enduring leadership in the sport. At 40, with over 100 race victories and seven world titles to his name, he remains a defining voice — one who continues to challenge the system as much as he challenges his rivals. Whether the FIA responds meaningfully to his latest appeal remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit of fairness, much like his pursuit of victory, shows no signs of slowing down.
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