FIA Issue Statement on Lewis Hamilton Mexico GP Penalty as Real Reason Explained

The FIA have issued a statement explaining the reason behind Lewis Hamilton's 10-second penalty during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Hamilton took evasive action at turn four while in a side-by-side battle with Verstappen for third place on lap four.

The seven-time champion took to the escape road, before rejoining the track via the grass.

The action meant he was able to stay ahead of Verstappen, who was then himself overtaken by Oliver Bearman.

Moments earlier, Verstappen made contact with Hamilton and forced him wide at turn one, though no action was taken against the Dutchman. He also avoided punishment for taking to the grass before turn three to stay ahead of Hamilton, who managed to pull back alongside down the straight prior to their turn four incident.

Hamilton, though, was given a 10-second penalty for his infraction, which saw him tumble down the order.

The Ferrari driver eventually finished in eighth place, with any chances of a podium removed as a result of the penalty.

His team-mate Charles Leclerc, who cut the track at turn one while alongside Hamilton and subsequently did not give the place up, finished in second position.

Hamilton was downbeat in his post-race press conference but also over team radio, where he remained silent on his way back to the pit lane.

Though Ferrari have taken strides forward in recent Grands Prix, it was an opportunity missed for the Brit to record his first Grand Prix podium of 2025.

Hamilton was investigated for three separate incidents on the same lap - for allegedly causing a collision when Verstappen made contact with him at turn one, for not following the race director's instructions at turn four, and for leaving the track and gaining a 'lasting advantage' at turn four.

His penalty was awarded for the third offence, with no action taken on the other two incidents, as the FIA determined that Hamilton was behind Verstappen when he left the circuit.

The stewards explained the penalty as follows: "Car 44 (HAM) locked brakes, left the track at Turn 4 and used the grass area while rejoining in the direction of Turn 5.

"As the driver was unable to follow the route prescribed by the Race Director along the 'yellow line' due to an excess of speed, no breach of the Race Director's Notes is deemed to have occurred.

"However, by leaving the track and cutting the corner, the driver gained a lasting advantage, overtaking Car 1 (VER) and failing to give the back position thereafter.

"The standard penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is therefore imposed."