Analyzing the Controversy: A Comparative Study of Hamilton’s Italian GP Penalties

Fans of Formula 1 found themselves embroiled in a heated debate following the controversial penalty imposed on Lewis Hamilton during the recent Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The incident occurred when Hamilton’s Mercedes made contact with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren, prompting the stewards to hand down a five-second penalty. This incident drew comparisons to a similar occurrence during the 2019 Italian GP, where Charles Leclerc’s actions faced a different response from the FIA.

In the 2019 incident, Charles Leclerc’s behavior on the track had ignited discussions. The FIA’s response raised eyebrows, as Leclerc managed to evade significant consequences after pushing Hamilton’s Mercedes onto the run-off area while attempting an overtake. The incident raised questions not only from fans but also from within the paddock. Leclerc’s deliberate maneuver to force Hamilton off the track led to a Black-White Flag warning, signaling the need to avoid such actions in the future.

Fast forward to the 2023 Italian GP, where Hamilton found himself in a similar predicament. As he aimed to pass Piastri after Curva Grande, their cars made contact, compelling both drivers to take evasive action by using the escape road at the Variante della Roggia Chicane. The stewards didn’t overlook the incident, imposing a five-second penalty on Hamilton. Fortunately, Hamilton’s substantial lead over Alex Albon allowed him to maintain his sixth-place position, while Piastri’s race was compromised due to a damaged front wing, forcing him into a pit stop.

Hamilton, recognizing his error, extended an apology to Piastri: “It was totally my fault, and I went and apologized to him.”

“We’ve just constantly asked for consistency [in the rules]. There was a rule put in place and it wasn’t abided by today.

“They used different consequences for the rule today but I don’t really know why that was the case. I guess the stewards woke up on a different side of the bed this morning.

“It’s racing I guess. I had to avoid colliding with him a couple of times but I guess that’s how the racing is today.”

While some voices on social media, including a post on X, insinuated that the FIA exhibited bias against Hamilton, a more thorough analysis underscores the dissimilarities between the two incidents. In the 2019 scenario, Leclerc’s hazardous driving caused Hamilton to run wide, but no physical contact transpired between the cars. Additionally, neither of the involved cars necessitated a pit stop as a result of the incident.

Conversely, the 2023 incident saw the overtaking car make contact with the car on the outside line, resulting in damage to the front wing and a loss of position for Piastri. The contrasting outcomes of these two incidents highlight the complexity of race incidents and the diverse factors that shape the stewards’ decisions.

Amidst the passionate debates, a few balanced responses stood out on social media, offering insightful perspectives that transcend biases.