Although Lewis Hamilton is not in contention for the 2024 Formula 1 title, he remains a central voice on driver conduct, drawing on his experience with high-stakes, contentious title battles. The fierce competition between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris has highlighted questions about aggressive racing and fair stewarding. Hamilton maintains that his views have stayed consistent since his own controversial 2021 title showdown with Verstappen, suggesting that fans seeking his perspective should listen to his radio comments from that season. His stance remains largely unchanged, reflecting his longstanding concerns over racing ethics.
Hamilton views the Norris-Verstappen rivalry as an exciting development for the sport, contrasting with Verstappen’s relatively undisputed lead in recent seasons. This close competition offers a refreshing level of suspense, with Norris still mathematically capable of closing the gap. Hamilton applauds both drivers, recognizing Norris’s progress as a challenger and Verstappen’s well-rounded skill set. He feels this intense rivalry is an opportunity for fans to enjoy a thrilling title race, which he considers a welcome change in the sport’s dynamics.
When asked about specific penalties given to Norris in Austin and Verstappen in Mexico, Hamilton chose to keep his analysis general, saying he hadn’t paid close attention to their racing specifics. Instead, he noted he’s more of an observer in this championship battle, watching with interest while focusing on his own position on the track. He expressed a hope to witness the competition from a strong vantage point, showing respect for the drivers directly involved in this year’s title fight.
Hamilton also raised broader concerns about Formula 1’s race regulations, pointing out that little has changed in stewarding since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi finale. He feels that the current rules still permit aggressive driving tactics, like those that sparked debate during his own title race. Additionally, he criticized the use of wide runoff areas on many tracks, arguing that they make it easier for drivers to push limits without consequence. He suggested that adding gravel or grass could encourage more careful driving and strategic racecraft.
Pressed further on his view of the Norris-Verstappen rivalry, Hamilton noted that Mercedes’s current position keeps him at a distance from the title battle. With his team unable to directly challenge the top competitors, he is less affected by the dynamics of the championship fight. Hamilton emphasized that as long as he’s not involved, the focus should be on Norris and Verstappen, who are the primary actors in this season’s title drama.