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Lewis Hamilton Urges FIA to Close ‘Gray Area’ in F1 After Verstappen and Norris Clash at USGP

The 2024 United States Grand Prix witnessed another controversial on-track battle involving Max Verstappen, this time with Lando Norris, prompting Lewis Hamilton to call for stricter regulations to address what he describes as a “gray area” in F1’s racing guidelines. Hamilton’s comments came after a heated duel between Verstappen and Norris, where the Dutchman’s aggressive racing tactics helped him secure a crucial podium spot, extending his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 57 points.

The race began with Norris on pole and Verstappen starting alongside him on the front row. An aggressive move by Verstappen on the inside line at Turn 1 forced both drivers wide, clearing the path for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to take the lead, which he maintained to win the race. However, the real drama unfolded in the closing stages of the Grand Prix, when Norris launched a late attack on Verstappen for third place.

Attempting to overtake down the back straight, Norris managed to pass Verstappen before Turn 12. But as they approached the braking zone, Verstappen moved up the inside, forcing Norris off the track. Both drivers took to the runoff area, yet only Norris received a five-second penalty, costing him the podium finish and allowing Verstappen to extend his championship advantage.

This incident has since raised questions about the consistency of F1’s racing regulations. McLaren immediately lodged a right of review with the FIA, arguing that Verstappen’s aggressive tactics should have led to a similar penalty, if not more severe, for forcing another driver off track. Lando Norris himself expressed his frustration, suggesting that the ruling was unjust because he was already ahead of Verstappen, and thus should have been considered the defending car in the situation. Norris added that Verstappen’s move was overly aggressive and that the stewards should consider drivers’ intent when assessing penalties.

The decision to penalize Norris while allowing Verstappen to keep his position has stirred debates among drivers and teams alike. Lewis Hamilton, who has had his fair share of fierce battles with Verstappen, stated that F1 needs to tighten its rules to prevent such tactics. “It’s always been a gray area, and that’s why he’s [Verstappen] gotten away with it for so long,” Hamilton told the media. He emphasized the need for more consistent stewarding and suggested that full-time referees could be a solution, similar to other global sports.

Hamilton is not the only one to voice concerns. Former F1 driver and pundit Anthony Davidson believes that other drivers need to show more assertiveness against Verstappen on track. According to Davidson, Verstappen’s confidence as a multi-time world champion has allowed him to dominate, and other drivers must challenge him more aggressively if they want to beat him.

As the controversy continues, McLaren is set to meet with the FIA to discuss the decision further. They have filed for a review, hoping to gain clarity on why the incident resulted in a penalty for Norris when similar actions from Verstappen went unpunished. McLaren argues that Norris had successfully overtaken Verstappen and that the Red Bull driver’s late braking maneuver forced both cars off track, violating the spirit of fair racing.

The FIA’s decision to penalize Norris has also been scrutinized because of apparent inconsistencies. During the same race, both George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda were penalized for forcing other drivers wide while attacking, yet Verstappen’s defensive move received no such reprimand. This inconsistency has fueled further demands for clear guidelines on overtaking and defensive moves, especially when it comes to what constitutes gaining an advantage by leaving the track.

Norris admitted that it’s difficult for the stewards to make consistent rulings because every on-track situation is unique. However, he believes the stewards need to consider a driver’s intent and racing mindset. He also suggested that input from former drivers could help improve the clarity and consistency of decisions.

As the teams prepare for the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix, the fallout from the USGP incident remains a hot topic. Many drivers are expected to bring up the issue during the pre-race drivers’ meeting, with Norris hinting that several competitors share his concerns. For now, the focus will shift to Mexico, but McLaren’s request for a review could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.

The USGP clash has once again brought F1’s race regulations under the spotlight, with many, including Hamilton and Norris, calling for reform. With Verstappen closing in on yet another world title, the debate over fair play and aggressive driving is likely to rage on, prompting F1 officials to reconsider how they interpret and enforce the rules of racing.