Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has called on the sport’s governing body to improve the transparency and accountability of race stewards, following contentious decisions at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who finished eighth in last weekend’s race, voiced frustration over what he described as inconsistent officiating, particularly during the chaotic opening laps at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Several drivers cut the first corner chicane without facing penalties, while Hamilton himself was penalised later for a similar offence in a battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
“There isn’t any clarity and I think that’s probably part of the bigger issue—transparency and accountability,” Hamilton said ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “And also the secrecy that the decisions are made in.”
The Mercedes driver highlighted the need for a more open and consistent process, arguing that stewards’ rulings can significantly affect not only race outcomes but also drivers’ careers and championship standings.
“I don’t know if they’re aware of the weight of their decisions,” Hamilton continued. “They ultimately steer careers. They can decide results of championships, as you’ve seen in the past. Some work needs to be done there, I’m sure.”
His comments reignited memories of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton controversially lost the world title to Max Verstappen after then-race director Michael Masi failed to apply safety car regulations correctly. Although Masi was later dismissed by the FIA, the governing body maintained that his decisions were the result of “human error.”
The FIA does not comment on individual stewarding calls, as they are considered independent from the main organisation. However, Hamilton’s remarks echo broader concerns within the paddock about the consistency of enforcement and the lack of public explanation behind rulings.
A number of drivers, including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, also expressed confusion after the Mexico race regarding how the rules were applied. Hamilton lost track position to Leclerc after the opening corner but was later sanctioned for not returning an advantage gained when he went off-track.
The British driver, who has become one of the sport’s most influential voices on and off the track, said addressing the issue would likely require behind-the-scenes reform within the FIA’s regulatory framework.
“It’s something that definitely needs to be tackled,” he said. “But that’s probably something that needs to be done in the background.”
As Formula 1 heads into the closing stages of the 2025 season, Hamilton’s remarks have reignited debate about whether the current stewarding system is fit for purpose—or whether the time has come for deeper structural change in how fairness and consistency are ensured across races.
