Lewis Hamilton’s Brazilian antics “unacceptable” rule the FIA ​​as details of private talks leak | F1 | Sports

FIA Race Director Michael Masi has explained why Lewis Hamilton had to be penalized after the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Briton fought a bitter race for victory against title rival Max Verstappen, and the Mercedes man prevailed after an action-packed weekend full of controversy.

After finishing tenth on the grid, Hamilton fought his way back to overtake Verstappen in the closing stages of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Since the 36-year-old took the win, the main topic of conversation has been a lap 48 incident with both Hamilton and Verstappen running far at Turn 4.

New footage surfaced Tuesday, prompting Mercedes to appeal the stewards’ decision that Verstappen escaped without penalty.

A delayed pass thanks to Mercedes’ enormous straight-ahead speed was enough for Hamilton to victoriously exit, but his actions after the race brought him even more penalty.

When he picked up the Brazilian flag, the on-board material showed Hamilton’s seat belt, which violates FIA regulations. He was fined € 5,000 (£ 4,265) as a result.

And Masi told RacingNews365.com: “Everyone knows this rule, it has been discussed before.

“I know it’s in Charlie’s [Whiting, Masi’s predecessor] In time, the drivers were reminded that during cooldown laps there is of course no problem loosening their seat belts, but they must remain fully fastened.

“It’s a safety article. I think the stewards made it pretty clear in their decision that the point was not to stop the celebrations.

When Hamilton passed Verstappen in the closing stages, an emotional Wolff angrily pointed at the camera, which in his opinion was “a friendly hello to the race director”.

Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend, the race for Hamilton’s record-breaking eighth world championship is sure to get hot as Verstappen targets his first crown.

The constructors’ championship is also on the brink, as Red Bull is about to end the years of dominance of Mercedes.