Source: USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron
[Saba Sports News] The 5-second penalty imposed on McLaren’s Lando Norris during his battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at last weekend’s US F1 Grand Prix sparked considerable controversy. As a driver experienced in battling Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton feels that F1’s overtaking rules need to be revised to ensure fairness in racing and prevent such incidents from happening again. Hamilton stated that there are loopholes in the current overtaking rules that have allowed Verstappen to avoid appropriate penalties for a long time. He also pointed out inconsistencies in F1’s rulings. Using his own experience as an example, he emphasized that drivers should not be able to leave the track after starting on the inside line and still maintain their position. He stressed that F1’s rule-makers need to make efforts in this regard. Some fans noted that Hamilton’s comments reflect F1 drivers’ dissatisfaction with current rules and their demand for rule changes. In my opinion, revising overtaking rules is necessary not only to reduce controversies on track but also to enhance the enjoyment and fairness of races.