After one of the most exhilarating climaxes to a grand prix in recent memory at Spa on Sunday, a cloud of controversy was soon cast over the final result as Lewis Hamilton was stripped of his victory and demoted to third place.
The verdict created a widespread storm in the British press, and with McLaren to appeal the decision, the debate on the justness of the verdict is set to run for weeks – so we wanted to know your opinion on Lewis's chicane cutting.
Thank you if you were one of the thousands of people who sent us your view. Published below are some of the best responses, which show a fair reflection of the type of comments we received.
I guess the main point for me is that Lewis had nowhere else to go. Kimi forced him wide on the corner so he had to take the escape option. No choice! Having done that he clearly had to concede the place, which he duly did. I think the rest is entirely academic. So what if he got in Kimi's tow. Had he been allowed to drive round the outside of the Bus Stop by Kimi he would have been either right on Kimi anyway, or would have forced his way past! Surely this should all be taken into account by the so called stewards. They saw a chance to penalise McLaren once again and took it without blinking. This is an absolute travesty, and shows how the 'one penalty fits all' approach taken by the governing body all too often these days is completely inappropriate.
David Nash
Birmingham
What is it with the British public all you guys do is complain when you dont get your own way. Lewis made a mistake and he paid the price for it. He is still a rookie and a corky one too that needs to be tought a lesson.
DJ
I feel really upset for Lewis and upset as a spectator. Such an exciting race but what's the point of watching F1 when the result is overturned by faceless officials. If this truly was about Lewis gaining an advantage over Kimi, how can they explain that as a result of this ruling Kimi is now even further behind his team mate Massa in the points? Felipe Massa was not the best or most courageous driver on the day and does not deserve the win he was given.
A. M. S.
Co. Antrim
I think the penalty is totally wrong! Regardless of whether the move was legal or not, Raikonnen did not even finish the race so the "move" should be irrelevant anyway"
Strange how there was no penalty for Raikonnen smashing into a car in Monaco or Massa almost causing a pit accident in Hungary!!
Kevin Heard
Cornwall
Can I just point out the HUGE flaw in the argument that the penalty was fair? Lewis and Kimi were side by side going into the Bus Stop. Kimi squeezed Lewis, which is why he cut the corner. Let's face it, he had to. It was either that or running into Kimi, taking him out and getting a penalty for that. Anyway, Lewis let Kimi back past. Now, considering Kimi had the racing line with no need to back off, he should have had his foot down. Odd how someone slowing down was able to out accelerate someone into La Source. This wasn't slipsteam, as they weren't travelling fast enough to create any meaningful slipstream and Kimi choose to take the racing line, swerving a few times to put Lewis off (which is against the rules, last I checked) while Lewis went for the inside, taking th place fairly and without any help (except Kimi practially letting him through)
Craig Wilde
Newcastle
The decision is of course a total disgrace. Niki Lauda a world champion three times can see that LH did NOT slipstream Kimi. The fact is that LH WAS 4.7 mph SLOWER than Kimi over the line. Look again at LH's attempt to pass at the bus stop. He WAS ahead though on the outside, which means that he is in the correct position for the second part of the chicane. Kimi defended his position robustly. What was Hamiliton to do? The guidance that McLaren received from race control that they had complied with the regs clearly show a bias AGAINST McLaren. Why was no penalty against Kimi for passing Hamilton under waved yellow for the Rosberg spin? Did LH's move affect the result. Simply NO.
Peter Sampson
Westbury, Wilts
Well, not much more to say really. One of the best ends to a race I've seen in a long time. Literally on the edge of my seat. I can't think of a better case against the FIA for being biased towards Ferrari. It's such a shame when great racing is ruined like that. I have nothing against the Ferrari drivers, despite the fact that I'm a Honda and McLaren fan. The drivers are what give us the excitement. But these kind of idiotic decisions are just frustrating for fans, and I'd imagine drivers too. It isn't just McLaren this happens too, although recently they can't do right by the FIA. I'm just wondering whether next year we'll see a Sponsored by FIA decal on the Ferrari team.
Graham Lowes
Teesside
There is nothing much I can add, This is absolutely shocking. And let me make it clear that I am (or is that was?) a Formula 1 fan, not a fan of any one particular team. If this decision is not overturned before Monza on Sunday I am done with this whole charade. I can easily spend my Sundays - and money - more productively and save it all up for a hell of a weekend each November in Macau. REAL, great racing in all kinds of classes on a fantastic, historical circuit. Come on Bernie, get on with it and bring on GP1, I and everyone else that used to watch F1 with me each weekend have had enough of this!
Martin Brownson
Hong Kong
If Raikkonen hadn't hit the wall, he would have won. Would Hamilton have been giving the penalty if this had happened? I think not. This race will be talked about for a long time to come, but for the wrong reasons. It was the best race in a long time, it's a shame thats not what people will be talking about.
Debbie Fordham
Sandy, Beds
I have followed F1 since my early teens (now in my 30s) and the decision from the FIA after Spa has definitely put me off watching F1 now. They say they are not 'anti McLaren' but why didn't Massa incur a penalty after his unsafe pit lane exit, but Hamilton did after an exciting race? What do McLaren have to do to not be 'under constant investigation'! You pay to go and watch a good race, but with the stupidity of politics now involved in F1 you are never really sure what you are watching will be the genuine result. Bad for F1, bad for sport. I'll be watching Moto GP in future - no such farse exists in this championship!
Helen Grimwade
Derby
Why is everyone getting so emotional! Rules are rules, Hamilton should be thankful there wasn't a wall at the chicane, he would crashed out or crashed into Raikkonen. They don't have walls there for safety. He used it as an advantage to himself; whether he lifted, 'just' let Raikonnen through. In theory he penalised himself, give time, he is still a rookie and inexperienced.
Jeffery
Woking
I agree with Jan De Meyer, every one complains there is no overtaking and when someone does they get penalised. It seems to me that ever since Schumacher raced for and won all those Championships with Ferrari the FIA always give decisions their way but with anyone else they care less this is evident with the incident at Spa and at Valencia with Massa coming out in front of Sutil and the pathetic fine and 'telling off' they got for that. When will the FIA realise that Ferrari are not the only competitive team in F1, it's bloody ridiculous!
Sam Denton
Barton-on-Sea
I am an avid fan of F1 Both McLaren and Ferrari are have been been supported by me for may years now, but this penaltly imposed on McLaren is absolutely ridiculous. Are they trying to kill to support for F1. I sincerely hope the stewards decision is overturned and they are reprimanded.
Mick Foster
North Yorks
I watched the race and have read all of the comments in the press and on the internet. Whatever is said, if the McLaren's appeal is not successful it can only be bad for the sport and in that respect bad for viewing figures. It's high time that all teams were treated equally. If the sport is not percieved as fair people will turn away from it.
John Turner
Kent
Watching the race, I did think Lewis was very slow to give the place back. Yes he slowed but by being offline to Kimi he looked as if he hadn't allowed Kimi fully past. That is until Kimi cut right across him. Its a pity though as Lewis would have surely passed Kimi as he was much faster at that stage of the race.
With so much at stake, its crazy that F1 has not got full time stewards that go to every race. I totally agree with JYS on this. Remember Monza 2006 and Alonso' s penalty for seemingly blocking Massa in qualifying? If that didn't damage F1, this penalty won't either.
Aidan Prendergast
Ireland
Yes absolutely fair. Hamilton should have let Kimi through completely. He would have hammered him anyway at the next straight. Instead he was trying to be cute.
Pinks
UK
I have been a fan of F1 since the days of Moss, Hill (Graham & Phil), Clark and Stewart but never has there been a decision as farcical as this one at Spa!!
I am seriously reconsidering my decision to spend two weeks holiday going to Silverstone and Magny-Cours. At least with Indycar the results are decided on the track and at Le Mans the atmosphere is every bit as good, if not better, than Silverstone!
Allan Glasscock
Amersham
This whole thing is getting blown out of all proportion.
Hamilton definately gained an advantage. If he hadn't cut the chicane he would have been nowhere near Raikkonen into La Source. That is a simple FACT that no-one can argue.
If he had just been a little more patient I have no doubt that he would have got past on any of the remaining corners in the race due to his ability.
I think the penalty is a little harsh but all this conspiracy stuff from people is ridiculous. It is stupid opinions from stupid people that make me not want to be interested in F1.
Get some perspective people.
Duncan Hembury
Nottingham
Just as F1 begins to rebuild a fanbase it ruins one of the most memorable races for years with an awful decision by the stewards. It seems that McLaren can do nothing without the stewards trying to hinder them. You can tell things are wrong when the usually misinformed Ferrari fans mostly agree that it was unfair. I just hope that Lewis shows the Scarlet cars how its done for the rest of the season and drives rings round them regardless!
Simon Robinson
Weston-super-Mare
I think the plenty is fair, I think Hamilton is by far a dangerously aggressive driver. I think the stewards should have thrown him out of the race and given him a ten place penalty for the next race.
Noel
Manchester
Not popular but the right decision . you just can't have over entusiastic inexperienced drivers trying impossible moves like Lewis does, he was lucky not to take out Kimi and himself. It was obvious he would be able to pass him 'safely' a little further down the road. He is trying to bully other drivers , like Schumacher did . And I say that as a Schumie fan. The rules state you must clearly back off before trying again after gaining an advantage (no arguement he did) mph and nearly side by side on the finish line is not clearly backing off. He got what he deserved, perhaps he will learn from his mistakes (of which there are numerous).
Neville Kerr
Belfast
I am an avid McLaren fan while my partner is Ferrari, we were both on the edge of our seats on Sunday at the last two laps of the race. It has to be the best racing we have seen for ages and was superb to watch. It made us remember why we love F1 so much. I can't believe the penalty, it is absurd. Even my partner is disgusted. After years of no visitors, phone calls on a Sunday due to us watching races we are thinking of giving up as it is no longer an enjoyable sport.
Patricia Nicol
Livingston, Scotland
I have watched Formula1 since the days of James Hunt in 1976 and have seen many controversial events and decisions in that time. But this has really appalled me, where exactly was the advantage gain by Lewis, he allowed Raikkonen back through and then passed him fairly at the hairpin. I really believe that the FIA has an anti McLaren and anti Hamilton bias. Did Raikkonen not gain an advantage later in the race when he went wide on the run-off, or is that irrelevant now because he hit the wall anyway?
Joey Mustang
Wakefield, UK
How can the stewards get it so wrong? I feel so sorry for Lewis and Massa.
If Massa goes on to win the championship by less than six points what sort of victory will it be knowing he was given it rather won it?
Walter Heeley
Doncaster
Absolutely not fair! People complain all the time that there is no overtaking in Formula One but when someone is brave enough to actually go for it he gets penalized immediately. I think it was a fair fight and there was no substantial benefit at that point: the McLaren was simply much quicker in each corner. I understand Heikki's penalty because he damaged Webber's result but Lewis didn't do any damage to Raikkonen (who subsequently spun out all by himself). This type of decision seems to be the evidence (if there was still need for it) that Ferrari is always favoured, particularly when McLaren is involved.
Jan De Meyer
Italy
I think Massa has explained it quite simply on his blog. The drivers know they can not use the tow after giving back position and Hamilton did so. Tough call, but a good one in my opinion.
Javier
Spain
After reviewing the incident several times you can clearly see that Hamilton backed off and fell clearly behind Kimi. If Kimi had held his line and not weaved Hamilton would of not been able to leap frog into the corner. I hope the appeal is successful other wise what's the point of watching the rest of a tainted season?
Steve Dieppe
Berkshire
How on earth did Lewis gain an advantage when he was travelling 6kph slower than Kimi after he let him back through. At the beginning of lap 42, Lewis was 2 seconds adrift. At the end of the SAME lap he made his move. He reeled Kimi in at an astonishing rate before the passing attempt, so why not after? A truly disgraceful decision.
Lewis Mann
Halifax, UK
So we fans invest time, emotion and adrenalin in a race. We cheer the deserving winner and a bunch of local stewards can simply change the result, despite the fact that on a million previous occasions, drivers who cut a chicane were NOT penalised if they, rightly, handed the position back. What an absolute insult to our intelligence.
Mike Powell
White Plains, USA
Even if you believe Lewis gained an unfair advantage from the incident at the Bus Stop, the penalty is far out of proportion to the crime. Neither Felipe or Nick were harmed by the incident, so why should either of them be promoted? Personally I think that even though Lewis made a bona fide attempt to abide by the regulations he did gain an advantage, so I would have promoted Kimi (had he finished) over Lewis - but since Kimi crashed out on his own in the wet, I think the correct race result is the original finishing order. The purpose of the stewards is to ensure fairness, not institute arbitrary penalties. How is it fair to Nick Heidfeld's competitors in the drivers championship to award him two extra points he did not earn?
Gary Ellis
USA
First corner of the first lap, it looks to me (using the highlights video of this website) that Kimi, Alonso, the two Honda's all ran wide onto the run off area and all gained an advantage from doing so. Why didn't get a 25 sec penalty? Need a say anymore?
Emmet
Yorkshire
Totally ridiculous, when F1 is trying to find ways to bring some overtaking into the premier class what do they do, penelise a driver for overtaking!
Andrew Mantle
Cardiff
Skill and determination no longer seem to be required to win a Grand Prix, simply a red car and FIA stewards on your side.
What's the point in racing if the championship is decided off track? It's an insult to drivers and fans alike.
Andy Tucker
Exmoor, Devon
The best and worst of F1 all in one race. Whatever happened to the 'one blocking move only' rule? Clearly Kimi moved twice to block Lewis, why didn't the FIA punish Kimi for that? The bias in favour of Ferrari by the race stewards is evident in every judgement.
Seymour Quilter
London
As a Ferrari fan I think it makes things more interesting, but feel very sorry for Lewis, I hate to see races won or lost in an office somewhere. I think the podium and prize giving should not be held until there is a definite confirmed race result.
Dermot
Ireland
That was the first GP I have watched for about 10 years. The only reason I watched it was because I just happened to walk in as it started and was trying to convince my son, who watches every minute of anything F1, that Spa was the best drivers and spectators circuit in the world. The excitement of the race for both of us proved me right but sadly they'll be lucky if I watch another one in the next decade. I'm planning on taking my son to Le Mans for 24 hours instead!
Howard Pask
West Yorkshire
Totally unfair, Ron Dennis got clearance from Charlie Whiting that all was in order. Lewis had nowhere else to go but across the chicane. The finest bit of excitement for ages and it is spoilt. I have been an f1 fan for years but now I think I will sit outside on f1 weekends and watch the grass grow. How long before Mclaren will be required to serve any penalty handed to Ferrari? This FIA is becoming a joke and I for one am sick of it. We all need to express our disgust with the FIA, come on fans let them know how we feel.
Stuart Belcher
Norwich
As a Kimi Raikkonen fan I found the race exciting from start to finish and the outcome was irrelevant. Lewis fans would want the penalty if it was against Ferrari so why are they all complaining? All this has done is set us up for a great fight in Monza, bring it on!
Lucy Simpson
Braintree, Essex
There is not much more I can add. After years of following F1, and at great expense attending many Grand Prix to watch the battles unfold I will no longer even turn the TV on to watch it. The contempt that the FIA have for the fans is incredible. There should have been no penalty. I could go on with hundreds of examples of bias, but that's it for F1 as far as I am concerned. I will not pay good money to watch drivers risk there lives in pursuit of the glory to have race wins overturned behind closed doors. Any one for fishing?
Steve
Dorset
No, when 2 drivers are having a scrap for the lead with 2 laps to go, things will get messy. Hamilton avoided a collision by cutting the corner but let Kimi past. I suspect that this decision was taken to close the gap in the championship to make it a more nail biting finish. Hey, but don't worry, they used to do the same to Schumacher and look where he ended up!
Christopher Hampshire
Cardiff, UK
Unusually my Father watched the race with me and when the incident occurred he pointed out that if there had been a wall there Hamilton would have got nothing. That was before the decision by the FIA. He is lucky to still be leading the championship. If there were no rules about staying on the track then they may as well just make all the circuits round and call it NASCAR.
It is totally different to Massa's pit incident at Valencia as this was a move by a driver. Massa's team released him from his pitbox so to penalise the driver would make no sense. Although, it would be arguably fairer had Ferrari been docked constructors championship points scored by him at that race.
Ian Jennings
Kent
F1 is no longer a sport for me. Can I no longer see the best drivers and cars driving to their limits. Let the drivers race! We heard the penalty news before my family sat down to watch the recorded race. We were so disgusted we made the decision not to watch. It's the first time in 25 years I've missed a race. Hamilton - thank you for some awesome racing! FIA - get your act together, your inconsistent decisions are shocking!
Elle
Staffordshire
The most ridiculous sporting decision in memory. What was the point in Hamilton Pushing for the best part of 43 laps in the hope of over taking Kimi . He may of well have played it safe like many other drivers have been forced to do and have got second. With this decision coming straight after Massa's 'let off', it is very hard to disagree that the whole F1 body is biased toward Ferrari. The end of F1 for me.
Andrew Tonkin
UK
To be totally honest, yes he did gain an advantage. He should have backed up a little more and then get the tow of Kimi.
However, as a Ferrari fan, I do think this was a little harsh. A grid penalty is what I was expecting, not a time penalty.
Modie
Cheshire
F1 has become far too political for my liking. Spa was a fantastic race. A 25 second penalty is too harsh for this incident, and no one seems to mind that Kimi changed his position TWICE going into the first corner - that's not allowed according to the rules but being Ferrari they don't get into trouble. I used to be a Ferrari fan in the Schuey days. F1 has become all about Ferrari moaning about McLaren, or McLaren moaning about Ferrari.
Cat Evans
Northampton
This was extremely unfair. At the point Hamilton went off, he was wheel to wheel with Kimi. He should have been able to return beside Kimi in all fairness, but he joined behind Kimi, then passed in the next turn. I am disgusted with F1 right now.
Robert Bolles
Florida, USA
This has finished F1 for me.
The anti Ferrari feelings while maybe a little over the top, are understandable.
To me it seems the FIA have one rule for Ferrari and another for McLaren.
Why should I continue to support a sport where the outcome of both driver and constructors championship is decided before the season starts?
Disappointing, especially in view of the penalty awarded to Ferrari for the pit lane 'mistake', which was considered dangerous by all.
F1 has become a farce due to money and power influencing race outcome.
James McCloskey
Grantham, Lincolnshire. England
I feel that Lewis was unfairly punished for this incident, he avoided a collision by cutting the corner, slowed to let Kimi take the place back then beat him fairly through the next corner at which Kimi ran wide allowing Lewis to make a second attack. This is how racing works! If the drivers are to be penalised for pushing to the limits (and making for an exciting race) then the 2009 session will be fairly boring.
Kelvin Perry
Chelmsford, Essex
Regardless of the actual decision (which I do not agree with), the way in which this was handled by F1’s management is completely unacceptable, and will only lead to reduced viewing figures as fans have no confidence in F1’s management team to produce what is a conclusive outcome. In future the podium presentations must be delayed until any such steward’s conclusions have been finalised, this process works in horse racing so there should be no reason why it cannot be adapted to work in F1, it would certainly prevent what can only be described as “fake” victory podium presentations that we see every season, and have seen been seeing ever since the infamous Schumacher/Barrichello incident (Australia 2002).
Tim Hicklin
Hungerford
A great GP ruined by an official body it appears determined on damaging the sport for the fans, and again McLaren's chances. How many more decisions like this can be made before people will be totally disillusioned with this sport?
Rob Griffiths
Melton Mowbray
Totally fair result, Hamilton clearly got an advantage by going off at the corner as it allowed him to slipstream Raikkonen's car.
Consistency of decisions does need to be improved though as Massa's pit-lane incident in Valencia was much more dangerous and had potential to damage the sports reputation even more and Ferrari got away with only a fine when a drive through would have been much more appropriate.
Bring in consistency F1 stewards decisions.
Stuart Burton
Chester, England
I don’t understand what’s happening in F1, all I know is that we, the fans – the people who pay the wages of the whole circus – are being treated with contempt, and I for one am tired of these games.
After nearly 50 years of passionate involvement, I reflected today that I’ve not been to a live GP for 2 years. There are many reasons, but the overriding one is that the sport has forgotten about me – the fan. I’m the man that for many years on many continents has paid to stand in all weathers to watch my heroes over the years do battle on the track.
I’m not interested in battles in the steward’s room, and I now think it will be some time before I can really look the sport in the eye again.
The FIA could restore some credibility, and give the appearance of some impartiality by reversing this silly decision immediately. I don’t think it will do this, but in 2 years time the FIA will be having an investigation into why the sport seems to be losing out in attendance and viewing figures. It needs to look at the events of recent times to figure out why.
Bryan Knowles
Australia
A shameful decision to ruin what was one of the most exciting races I have seen in years, Can I suggest that those of you that are so incensed by this decision do what I am about to do and email the FIA and tell them what you think of their announcement and what damage they will ultimately do to the sport.
Richard Marcer
Devon
That penalty was totally unfair. They both locked up into the corner. Would they have preferred Hamilton to just crash into Raikkonen? He clearly gave him the position back. Odd how they only gave Massa a $10,000 penalty for his much more dangerous move in Valencia. The FIA need to be replaced by a body that makes consistent decisions.
Ben James
Milton Keynes
Being a Ferrari & Michael Schumacher fan I know what it feels like to be nailed by the system and getting the rulles changed to help others - just think of all the new rules that were introduced to help the other teams when Ferrari were dominant.
But like Michael and Senna, Hamilton drives and pushes the limits of every rule so sometimes he's going to get the short end of the stick
Deon Coetzee
South africa
Another farcical end to a race. How the heck can they make this decision then not look at the way others were driving. How many people spun off or ran wide to return. How about Raikkonen running onto the tarmac and then steaming up to the back of Lewis after gaining an advantage on the grippier run of area? It certainly smacks of favouritism when Ferrari are let off with a slapped wrist for a dangerous move in the pits in Valencia and Hamilton gets punished for doing just what the spectators wanted.
Gary Firth
Halifax
VERY VERY FAIR. Lewis gained a sporting advantage. Had he not cut the chicane but rejoined the track at the Bus Stop after going wide he wouldn't have ended up in Kimi's slip stream going into La Source. To avoid a penalty he should have backed off to at least a second behind Kimi before attempting a move instead of parking his car in Kimi's tow. He would have been at least a second behind Kimi going into La Source.
Brian Nyangu
Francistown, Botswana
The decision to penalise Lewis could potentially have a significant effects on F1. Drivers will now be less confident to make a passing manoeuvre, knowing if they take to an escape route then re-pass they will likely to be penalised.
Stephen Tonkinson
London
Fair? Yes! buy cutting the corner he was close enough to out brake Kimi into the first corner, had he not taken a short cut, he would have been to far back to out brake him. It will look again as if the FIA have it in for McLaren, but if we look at it objectively the penalty was right. If Lewis had waited he would have had him at the next braking area anyway, but that was a bit of inexperience on Lewis's part.
Matthew
Llandeilo
I am more of a Ferrari than a Lewis fan, but even I feel totally let down by the sport. It was a clear case of two drivers battling it out under tough conditions. The FIA should not impact the result like this as it ruins everyone's experience. If they had to do something, a 10 place penalty at the next race would have been fairer. I feel sorry for Lewis.
Terry Parke
Norwich
A total farce, an awesome dramatic race, brilliant driving and viewing and great for the sport ruined by men in suits. It's a terrible shame, the best driver gets done over again.
Alex P
Norfolk
I love F1 and this year is no exception but I am staggered at the sport allowing itself to be ridiculed by this kind of decision. Lewis and the team realised that they may have an issue with the chicane, and one could argue KR pushed him off, but they gave the place back, LH was clearly behind KR as they went down the pit straight but now the rule book seems to have been rewritten because the way he gave it back was not acceptable. For goodness sake F1 let the racing take place on the track. A fantastic race ruined by over zealous stewards.
Adrian Young
Winchester
An utter disgrace! It was a fantastic scrap between two great drivers and the final outcome was decided further down the track with Kimi's mistake. Why do McLaren always get penalized whilst Ferrari seem to get off...all seems a bit fishy and spoils F1's reputation. There is not enough close racing in F1 and this will only discourage it further.
Stuart
Hampshire
I haven't read full details yet about the penalty, what I think is Lewis went too soon after Kimi, even lifting a bit, he knew with the slipstream he will have the advantage, he should have give Kimi 0.4 or 0.5 secs.
Roberto Arroyo
Fort Lauderdale, USA
The penalty was completely unfair and blatantly so! Anyone who watched the footage should agree. It is obvious FIA favouritism towards the red team such as this that is rendering F1 a farce! While we all (read F1 supporters) have our favourite teams and/or drivers; a level playing field is a prerequisite for the longevity of our beloved sport! I am glad that this decision has led the long overdue outcry regarding the above mentioned favouritism. If F1 continues along this extremely slippery FIA driven slope, I’ll find it very difficult to remain a staunch F1 supporter.
Graeme Krige
South Africa
I believe this punishment was totally unjust. I normally see both sides of an argument but on this occasion, I cannot see where they come up with this answer. It does seem that if it involves McLaren it ends in strict punishment. I think Lewis did everything in accordance to the rules, but I'm not the rule maker.
Dave Pilgrim
Chelmsford
The best F1 action for a long time, ruined by yet another example of inconsistent interpretation of the rules, inconsistent application of penalties and FIA meddling. It's enough to make me become a football fan!
John
Leeds
All those complaining should ask themselves this question: "Would they be complaining if Kimi Raikkonen had cut the corner and he had been handed a penalty?"
David Blackwell
Surrey
Well, this is a hard one. I reckon he had to cut the corner so as not to go out all together. But it's also fair to say, having come out of the corner and letting Kimi through, he still had the speed, position and advantage the corner gave him. Looking back, Lewis should have backed off a little more and had another go later on. In any case, the decision still looks dodgy.
Peter H
Melbourne Australia
An utter farce. Do the FIA think F1 fans are stupid?
This kind of action turns off audiences and makes a mockery of the sport. They have ruined one of the great races of recent times with their meddling. Let the drivers race and the fans enjoy it.
Adey Bennett
Manchester
I think the decision was entirely unfair. Lewis did everything he could in the conditions, giving the place back to Kimi. Let's face it, Lewis drove the best in the appalling conditions and deserved the win.
Pat Stoker
Blackpool
Seems to be one rule for Ferrari and one for McLaren doesn't it? This is making a total mockery of F1and race stewards. I have replayed this clip over & over, just where was Hamliton expected to go?
Tracey Hughes
Weymouth, Dorset
I feel he did gain an advantage which enabled him to slip stream Kimi down the straight even though he let him past Lewis should have waited he would have got past before the end I feel a slight bit of in experience showed though showed what a racer he is I think the penalty is far.
Paul Howard
Formby
NOT FAIR.
The inconsistency of the FIA stewards is increasingly showing how they're biased in Ferrari's favour.
Similar incidents happened in GP2 on Saturday that bore close resemblance to Massa's pitstop incident, and yet while Ferrari got away with a laughable "punishment", the drivers making the same mistake in GP2 were awarded drive-thru penalties. Why is that? Furthermore Ferrari showed their arrogance in claiming it's Sutil's fault.
In June, in Canada, Sebestian Vettel actually cut the last chicane twice in the final 2 laps, preventing Heikki from overtaking him and taking 8th place, a points position, for McLaren. There wasn't EVEN an investigation into it, much less a penalty. So why is that? Seriously all the evidence speaks for itself, that FIA is biased for Ferrari and against McLaren. Anyone who can't see it must be a mindless tifosi.
Emily
London
F1 Stinks! Had enough of the red tape and the messing around. This is just more proof that the FIA will help Ferrari whenever they cry. I have been watching F1 for near 20 years and to be honest I don't want to anymore after that! Glad I am going to watch NASCAR next weekend.
Luke Wolton
Gloucester UK
Just a shameful act by the FIA. It's bad enough that they have created cars that don't allow overtaking, but to then penalise drivers who are battling it out. I hope McLaren finish 1-2 for the remaining races to rub the FIA the wrong way.
Leon
London
A complete joke. As soon as I saw events unfold I considered phoning the bookies and putting money on Hamilton being penalised. He had already outbraked Kimi to attempt an overtaking manoeuvre, was practically forced off track in front of Kimi, then gave the position back and outbraked him again. What a ludicrous decision and totally pointless as Kimi spun off anyway! I suppose they'll be saying that Lewis jumped into Kimi's car and spun the wheel for him next!
Deanio
Rotherham, UK