F1 Fans Blast FIA And Max Verstappen: "Let That Fraud Get Away With Literally Everything"
Max Verstappen and the FIA have been called into question by F1 fans as they compare the warning flag Lewis Hamilton received in this year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to the 2-time champion's driving history.
Formula 1 is a sport that thrives on competition and excitement, and maintaining clean, fair, and competitive racing is essential to the credibility and integrity of the sport. To achieve this, the FIA enforces numerous rules that aim to minimize risks and ensure a level playing field for all drivers.
Preventing Weaving While Defending
One such rule prohibits drivers from weaving on straights while defending against other drivers. This restriction is vital for reducing high-speed crashes during overtaking attempts. Drivers can make a single defensive move, but they must then maintain their chosen position and avoid blocking the approaching car.
Controversy at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Hamilton's Warning Flag
During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton received a black and white flag after Turn 1 for weaving on a straight while defending against Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc in the Alpine and Ferrari respectively.
The flag serves as a warning, simply indicating that further infractions could result in penalties. The French and Monogasque drivers struggled to get past the Brit due to his weaving, resulting in the black and white flag for the 7-time world champion.
Unequal Treatment of Drivers: Hamilton VS Verstappen
Some fans took issue with the FIA's decision to warn Hamilton, arguing that other drivers have engaged in similar behavior without facing consequences. A video from the dramatic and controversial final lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circulated on Twitter, showing Max Verstappen weaving in exactly the same way to defend his position, but he didn't receive a penalty for this driving.
Several fans expressed their frustration, accusing the FIA of favoritism and inconsistency in applying the rules.
"FIA let that fraud get away with literally everything," the Twitter user said.
Another added:
"Sadly this is the price that Lewis has paid for being a decent human being & standing up for issues he believes in. This does not fit with the FIA narrative.2 [sic]
A third added:
"Im a red Bull fan but when they gave Lewis the flag almost immediately I was like oh wow lol. Favoritism definitely on show." [sic]