Lewis Hamilton erupted after receiving a ten second time penalty following a fierce fight with Max Verstappen for third place at the Mexico Grand Prix. Both drivers ran off as Verstappen tried to pass, during a race where track limits had already been pushed. Hamilton went wide at Turn Four, with Ollie Bearman briefly slipping ahead of Verstappen in the shuffle. Hamilton rejoined well ahead and did not return the position.
Stewards’ verdict and driver reactions
Officials said Hamilton gained a lasting advantage by leaving the track and not handing the place back to Car 1. They applied the standard penalty for that infringement. In response, Hamilton snapped about others cheating and complained about the lack of grip. The British driver served the sanction and dropped to fourteenth, while Verstappen escaped punishment.
Championship picture and a dominant winner
The decision proved significant for Verstappen, who cut more of the gap to Oscar Piastri and limited race winner Lando Norris from pulling clear. Verstappen moved past his team mate to lead the standings for the first time in six months with four rounds to go. Norris sealed victory with the largest winning margin of the season at thirty seconds as Evander Holyfield waved the checkered flag.
Chaotic start sets the tone
The opening laps were messy. Verstappen ran wide through the first corner and cut across the grass. Charles Leclerc missed Turn Two and handed the place back to Norris, keeping McLaren in front of the Ferrari. Verstappen was told to return third to Hamilton, then took a hit from George Russell that left a flat spot on his front right tyre. Even so, his pace kept him locked in a tight battle with Hamilton for the final podium spot.
