F1 News: FIA Under Fire After Revisiting Lewis Hamilton Qatar Penalty
The FIA has come under fire from fans after deciding to revisit the incident when seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton crossed the track after his Qatar GP crash.
After Hamilton's collision with his Mercedes teammate George Russell at Turn 1 of the opening lap under the lights of the Losail International Circuit, the driver crossed the track to get back to the pits whilst the race was under yellow flag conditions.
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The incident was reviewed after the race and Hamilton was handed a €50,000 fine. However, it was announced that the FIA would be meeting with the British driver in Austin to ensure a "precedent isn't set".
An FIA spokesperson explained, as quoted by Sky Sports F1:
"The FIA is revisiting the incident in which Lewis Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix.
"The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent Stewards hearing in to the incident and acknowledged that the crossing was a serious safety breach. However, in view of his role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers."
However, fans have been quick to share other instances when drivers have done the same. One fan responded:
"Was Verstappen penalised for crossing the track at Monza?"
Sky Sports presenter and former F1 driver Karun Chandhok commented on the situation, sharing two previous similar incidents. He posted:
"Not saying this should be condoned but I’m sure Lewis isn’t the first person to do this… Didn’t Sargeant cross the track just at the previous event in Japan? Bit odd to talk about precedent when other people have done it before.
"Max at Monza 2021 is another example I think..."
"Saying it's because Hamilton has "role model" status kind of singles him out though doesn't it?"
"So, let’s get this right: The @fia don’t 'want to single out Hamilton', so they’re going to meet with him in Austin, thereby singling him out."
