"Max Verstappen's gotten away with it for so long" - Lewis Hamilton wants FIA to 'make adjustments' to the grey areas

The incident involving title contenders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at Turn 12 at COTA, Austin has created a controversy in the Formula 1 community. Following these events, Lewis Hamilton has shared his opinion on the Dutchman's aggressive defensive maneuvers and thinks the FIA should make "adjustments" in the rules regarding such moves.

Red Bull Racing's Verstappen and McLaren's Norris were engaged in a long battle for the final podium position during the US Grand Prix. With the Briton having a speed advantage over the reigning champion, he attempted an overtaking move on Turn 12. While Norris was able to get half a car length ahead of Verstappen, the latter was able to deploy power from his battery in the DRS zone to keep up with the McLaren ahead of the turn.

This eventually led to Verstappen ending up outside the track limit, pushing Norris along with him. This aggressive defense move has been utilized by Verstappen on several occasions, especially against Lewis Hamilton in the 2021 season.

During a media interaction ahead of the Mexican GP, the seven-time world champion shared his opinion on the Red Bull driver's maneuver. He said,

“I mean, it’s always been a grey area. That’s why he’s (Verstappen) got away with it for so long. They (FIA) probably need to make some adjustments for sure. Also, we do have inconsistencies weekend in, weekend out, obviously, depending on which stewards are there. And as a sport, we do need to level up on all areas. We look at like other global sports, they have full-time refs for example, and I’m sure that wouldn’t be a bad thing for our sport.

“But, yeah, you shouldn’t be able to… I mean, I experienced it many times with Max and you shouldn’t be able to just launch the car up the inside over your head and then go off and still hold your position.”

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"I’ve never spun in the race before," - Lewis Hamilton on the unexpected spin at Austin

Lewis Hamilton spun on the second lap during the US Grand Prix at COTA. The seven-time champion shared his thoughts on the unexpected spin during the post-race media interview.

Hamilton said,

"I had a great start. Obviously shot up the inside and got up to 12th and at that point it was only the second lap, so I’m not flat out, not pushing particularly – just trying to manage the tyres. The car started bouncing on the way in and then it just lost all load of the rear and just went around on me.

"I’ve never spun in the race before, not that I remember at least, and if I have it can only be once maybe before in all these years. Definitely frustrating but I do know that it wasn’t that I wasn’t focused or anything, it’s just unfortunate."

As of now, Hamilton is placed sixth in the driver's table, one place and 10 points ahead of his teammate George Russell.