Lewis Hamilton believes that he wasn’t singled out by the FIA over the decision to revisit the track crossing he was fined for during the Qatar Grand Prix.
The FIA this week announced that it would further investigate Hamilton’s return to the paddock after a race-ending crash with George Russell in the opening lap of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Hamilton was fined a total of €50,000, €25,000 of which is suspended for the remainder of the season, and issued a reprimand for crossing a live race track.
In a statement issued by the FIA, Formula 1’s governing body said “in view of his role model status”, it was gravely concerned by “the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers”.
Asked if he felt singled out by the FIA’s decision to re-examine the case, Hamilton replied: “I don’t think I was singled out. Ultimately, I think it’s just poor communication.
“I don’t think what they’ve said is exactly what they meant. I think what they mean is they are just going to look into how they can tackle those sorts of things going forwards to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
“I think there was a karting incident recently where a kid was hit, so we really need to make sure that we’re continuously focusing on safety. I think that’s really at the root of it. But I just think they probably need to speak to their PR agent to do a better job.”
Hamilton was referencing the World Karting Championship’s round at Franciacorta earlier this month, where 22-year-old Joe Turney underwent ankle surgery after being struck by another kart.
“They’ve spoken to me and their actual point, I think, is important. When I sat in the meeting with them or in the stewards’ office, obviously I put my hands up. In the heat the moment, it was the wrong decision.
“What’s important is to send the right message, particularly for the younger drivers throughout the ages, that that’s not the thing to do.
“And I apologised at the time and I think they were just looking how to make sure that doesn’t happen moving forwards.”
Discussion about this post