Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a heated battle for the final podium spot during the early laps of the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix. The two former championship rivals made contact while fighting for position, with both drivers cutting corners in the process. Although Hamilton received a penalty for his off-track excursion, Verstappen escaped without any sanction. This prompted Red Bull team principal Guenther Steiner to claim that the FIA stewards are hesitant—if not scared—to penalize the Dutchman.
Starting Positions and Early Battle
Lewis Hamilton began the race from P3, with Max Verstappen close behind in P4. On the opening lap, Verstappen made a strong move to gain a position and immediately started chasing the seven-time World Champion for third place.
Just a few laps later, the Red Bull driver attempted an ambitious move into Turn 1 following the long straight at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As Verstappen went down the inside, his car made contact with Hamilton’s, pushing the Mercedes driver off the racing line.
The duel intensified as both drivers went side by side into Turn 2, where Verstappen was forced wide and cut the corner. The battle spilled over into Turn 4, where Hamilton, on the outside, locked up his tires and also had to cut the corner in order to maintain position. Meanwhile, George Russell and Oliver Bearman closed in on the fray.
Hamilton Penalty Controversy
Despite cutting the corner, Hamilton emerged ahead and was later penalized by the FIA stewards. He was handed a 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
In contrast, Verstappen, who had cut the first corner on lap one and again while battling Hamilton, was not penalized. This discrepancy has sparked considerable debate within the F1 community.
Guenther Steiner’s Comments
On the latest episode of the Red Flags podcast, former F1 team boss Guenther Steiner expressed his views on the stewarding decisions. He suggested that the FIA might be reluctant to penalize Verstappen due to the Dutchman’s status and vocal nature.
“I don’t think it has to do with leading the charge, because Max, you know, if he thinks he was treated unfairly, he’s very vocal, and maybe they are more worried about that one than anything else,” Steiner said (starting at 29:00 in the podcast).
The host added, “I see, so Max has created a culture where people are very scared and hesitant to throw a penalty on him ever.”
Steiner elaborated, “He is kind of the ‘GOAT’ in there at the moment. And that comes with the status of the GOAT. He has got a louder voice. You know, if you are on top, your voice is way louder than when you are second last.”
F1 Pundit Weighs In: “Should Have Been a Penalty”
F1 pundit Martin Brundle also weighed in on Verstappen’s off-track excursion on lap one. According to Brundle, Verstappen deserved a penalty for cutting the corner during a four-wide start with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton, and Lando Norris.
“Max should have had a penalty because if you put your car on the far-left and four abreast, it will go on the kerb,” Brundle explained after the race. “You can see Max actually accelerating really skillfully through the grass, I must say, but Max made no effort whatsoever to take Turns 1, 2, or 3 properly. That should have been a penalty.”
Conclusion
The intense battle between Verstappen and Hamilton at the Mexican GP has reignited discussion about consistency and fairness in stewarding decisions. While Hamilton was penalized for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, Verstappen’s similar cuts went unpunished, leading to accusations of bias influenced by the Dutch driver’s status and outspoken nature.
As the championship battle continues, eyes will remain on how the FIA enforces track limits and racing conduct, ensuring that all drivers are treated equitably regardless of their stature.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-guenther-steiner-claims-fia-stewards-scared-penalising-max-verstappen
