Lewis Hamilton has called on Formula 1 to confront what he describes as a lack of transparency and accountability among race stewards.
The seven-time world champion was speaking after the Mexico City race, where several drivers questioned stewarding decisions. The controversy focused on the opening corner, when a number of drivers cut the chicane but were not asked to give back any positions or handed penalties. Hamilton lost a place to Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc in that incident and was later penalised himself for not surrendering an advantage he gained after running off track while battling Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. He eventually finished eighth; Leclerc was second and Verstappen third.
“There isn’t any clarity and I think that’s probably part of the bigger issue. Transparency and accountability,” Hamilton said, adding that the secrecy surrounding how decisions are made is also a problem. He suggested the matter needs to be addressed, though much of the work will likely happen behind the scenes.
Hamilton also alluded to the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi finale — where former race director Michael Masi’s handling of a late safety car played a decisive role in the championship outcome. Masi was later dismissed and an inquiry attributed the errors to human mistake; at the time, stewards declined to reverse the race director’s choices.
“I don’t know if they’re aware of the weight of their decisions. They ultimately steer careers. Can decide results of championships,” Hamilton said. The FIA normally does not comment on stewards’ rulings because they are intended to operate independently of the governing body.
