Lewis Hamilton has fired back at Max Verstappens audacious remarks after the Red Bull driver taunted the FIA following a rare 20-second penalty during the Mexican Grand Prix. Verstappen, who received two 10-second penalties for incidents involving McLaren rival Lando Norris, joked that he might aim for a new record and invited the FIA to give him a 30-second punishment next time.
Hamilton, who has often clashed with Verstappen on and off the track, couldnt resist responding. That kid has got some nerve, Hamilton said with a hint of sarcasm. Hes acting like penalties dont even matter to him. Its as if he thinks the rules dont apply when hes behind the wheel of a Red Bull.
Verstappens penalties came after two tense on-track battles with Norris. The first occurred on Lap 10 when Verstappen forced Norris off the track while defending his position. Shortly afterward, in Turn 7, Verstappen made an aggressive move down the inside, sending both drivers off course. The penalties led to the unusual sight of Verstappens car being held for 20 seconds during a pit stop, marking one of his worst finishes this season with a sixth-place result. Meanwhile, Norriss second-place finish closed Verstappens championship lead to 47 points.
Hamilton added, If hes so keen on setting records for penalties, maybe he should focus on avoiding them in the first place. F1 isnt just about speedits about respecting the sport and the rules that make it fair.