Source: Official Team Post via X
Ferrari Clarifies Hamilton's 65-Place Penalty as New Radio Footage Surfaces
Ferrari explains the rationale behind Lewis Hamilton's hefty grid penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, untelevised radio footage reveals tense exchanges between Hamilton and his team.
In the whirlwind of F1 news, Ferrari has shed light on the hefty 65-place grid penalty handed to Lewis Hamilton at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Team boss Fred Vasseur stated that the decision to change Hamilton's engine a second time was a strategic move, as the initial 10-place penalty meant further penalties were effectively inconsequential. "We didn’t want to take a risk," Vasseur explained, noting that the situation allowed for the additional engine change without further detriment.
In a twist of behind-the-scenes drama, new untelevised team radio footage from Interlagos has emerged, capturing a series of awkward moments between Hamilton and his race engineer, Carlo Santi. At one point, Hamilton, seemingly frustrated by the silence, asked, "Are you guys listening to me?" The dialogue continued with Santi later informing Hamilton about his on-track battle with Lando Norris, which caught Hamilton off guard, as he was surprised to learn he had been lapped by the McLaren.
Meanwhile, David Coulthard weighed in on Lando Norris's close call during the podium celebrations. The former driver remarked that Norris was "very lucky" to avoid injury after his champagne bottle mishap, which was followed by an unintended encounter with a sparkler.
Elsewhere, Max Verstappen had his own grievances in Brazil, describing the Red Bull RB22 as "a disaster to drive." Untelevised radio snippets captured his frustration, with Verstappen claiming to have driven "85 per cent of the race with a f**cked car." Despite starting from 21st, he managed an impressive recovery to finish second, though a mysterious handling issue hampered his performance.
On another note, McLaren's Lando Norris questioned the FIA's decision to penalize Charles Leclerc with a five-second penalty after a late-race incident with Liam Lawson. Norris argued that the penalty was excessive, calling Leclerc’s move "a perfectly placed nudge." The penalty ultimately dropped Leclerc behind Lawson in the final standings.
The Brazilian Grand Prix certainly delivered its share of unexpected turns, both on and off the track.