Fresh onboard footage from the Mexican Grand Prix has reignited the controversy surrounding the explosive first-lap collision between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc — and it’s rewriting the narrative of who truly caused the chaos. The long-debated Ferrari fallout has taken a new twist as the unseen footage finally provides clarity, unveiling moments that the FIA initially overlooked in its post-race assessment.
The clash, which occurred in the pandemonium of Turn One, saw Leclerc dart off track to avoid a potential collision, rejoining ahead of Hamilton in a move many deemed questionable. While the FIA dismissed it as a racing incident, new evidence suggests that Leclerc’s evasive maneuver was not as unavoidable as once claimed. Cameras from George Russell’s Mercedes revealed that the Monegasque driver had sufficient space to remain on track, sparking debate over whether Ferrari benefited from lenient officiating.
Hamilton, already infuriated by the lack of penalty for his teammate, voiced his anger over the radio, accusing race control of blatant “double standards.” His frustration deepened later when he was hit with a 10-second penalty for a separate incident with Max Verstappen — an eerily similar scenario in which he, too, went off track while battling for position. The inconsistency in FIA rulings became a flashpoint for criticism from fans, analysts, and even fellow drivers.
Speaking after the race, Hamilton’s disillusionment was evident. “It’s hypocrisy,” he remarked. “Leclerc cuts the corner, gains an advantage, and it’s fine. I do the same and get punished. How does that make sense?” His statement encapsulated the broader frustration across the grid — a growing distrust in the FIA’s ability to apply rules evenly, regardless of circumstance or driver.
As the dust settles, Ferrari finds itself caught between relief and internal tension, while the FIA faces renewed scrutiny over its decision-making standards. What began as an on-track scuffle has evolved into yet another chapter in Formula 1’s endless saga of controversy and accountability — where a few frames of unseen footage may have exposed far more than just a racing incident.
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