[/r/Formula1 Top Post] By request, I also compiled all the F1 rules changed or clarified solely because of Lewis Hamilton since 2007////
After yesterday's compilation of F1 rules changed or clarified due to Max Verstappen's actions, several users requested I do a similar list for Lewis Hamilton.
First, I want to emphasize that the intention of my previous post was not to single out Verstappen negatively. In fact, I respect Verstappen as an exceptional talent who pushes the boundaries of the sport.
So, by request, here's a deep dive into the rules that have been changed or clarified solely because of Lewis Hamilton's actions.
1. Gaining an Advantage Off-Track Clarification
Race: 2008 Belgian Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton cut the chicane while battling Kimi RΓ€ikkΓΆnen, allowing him to overtake. He let RΓ€ikkΓΆnen back past but immediately overtook him again at the next corner.
Rule Clarification: The FIA clarified that if a driver gains an advantage by leaving the track, they must not only give back the position but also ensure they do not retain any lasting advantage. Immediate re-overtaking or benefiting from a better position due to going off-track is prohibited. This clarification aimed to ensure fairness in racing duels.
2. Emphasis on Honesty with Officials
Race: 2009 Australian Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton and his McLaren team were found to have provided misleading information to the stewards regarding an incident under the safety car involving Jarno Trulli. Initially, Hamilton told the stewards he did not deliberately let Trulli pass, leading to Trulli's penalty. Later, radio transmissions revealed that Hamilton had been instructed to let Trulli pass.
Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced the requirement for absolute honesty in all communications with the stewards. Providing misleading information resulted in more severe penalties, including disqualification.
3. Ban on Excessive Weaving to Defend Position
Race: 2010 Malaysian Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton weaved multiple times on the straight to break the tow from Vitaly Petrov, who was attempting to overtake. This was deemed dangerous and unsportsmanlike.
Rule Change: The FIA expanded the rules on defensive driving, stating that drivers are allowed only one move to defend their position per straight and prohibiting excessive weaving to impede another car. This was introduced to enhance safety and ensure fair competition during overtaking maneuvers.
4. Restrictions on Helmet Design Changes
Implemented: 2016 Season
Incident: Hamilton frequently changed his helmet designs, making it harder for fans, commentators, and officials to identify drivers quickly.
Rule Change: The FIA introduced a rule starting in 2016 limiting drivers to one helmet design per season, with exceptions for special occasions. This aimed to improve driver recognition.
(Edit: as pointed out by several users, the rule on helmet restrictions was primarily driven by the actions of Sebastian Vettel, rather then Hamilton)
5. Reinforcement of Pit Entry and Exit Regulations
Race: 2018 German Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton aborted a pit stop entry by cutting across the grass to rejoin the track, crossing the pit entry line, which was against the rules.
Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced existing rules prohibiting crossing the pit entry and exit lines, emphasizing safety concerns. Drivers must commit to the pit entry once they cross the commitment line and cannot rejoin the track. This clarification ensured consistent enforcement of pit lane regulations.
6. Podium Attire Regulations and Political Messaging
Race: 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton wore a T-shirt on the podium that read "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor," highlighting social justice issues.
Rule Change: The FIA updated podium and pre-race regulations to prohibit drivers from wearing clothing with political or personal statements during official activities. Drivers must wear their race suits fully zipped up during podium ceremonies and official interviews.β¦
After yesterday's compilation of F1 rules changed or clarified due to Max Verstappen's actions, several users requested I do a similar list for Lewis Hamilton.
First, I want to emphasize that the intention of my previous post was not to single out Verstappen negatively. In fact, I respect Verstappen as an exceptional talent who pushes the boundaries of the sport.
So, by request, here's a deep dive into the rules that have been changed or clarified solely because of Lewis Hamilton's actions.
1. Gaining an Advantage Off-Track Clarification
Race: 2008 Belgian Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton cut the chicane while battling Kimi RΓ€ikkΓΆnen, allowing him to overtake. He let RΓ€ikkΓΆnen back past but immediately overtook him again at the next corner.
Rule Clarification: The FIA clarified that if a driver gains an advantage by leaving the track, they must not only give back the position but also ensure they do not retain any lasting advantage. Immediate re-overtaking or benefiting from a better position due to going off-track is prohibited. This clarification aimed to ensure fairness in racing duels.
2. Emphasis on Honesty with Officials
Race: 2009 Australian Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton and his McLaren team were found to have provided misleading information to the stewards regarding an incident under the safety car involving Jarno Trulli. Initially, Hamilton told the stewards he did not deliberately let Trulli pass, leading to Trulli's penalty. Later, radio transmissions revealed that Hamilton had been instructed to let Trulli pass.
Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced the requirement for absolute honesty in all communications with the stewards. Providing misleading information resulted in more severe penalties, including disqualification.
3. Ban on Excessive Weaving to Defend Position
Race: 2010 Malaysian Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton weaved multiple times on the straight to break the tow from Vitaly Petrov, who was attempting to overtake. This was deemed dangerous and unsportsmanlike.
Rule Change: The FIA expanded the rules on defensive driving, stating that drivers are allowed only one move to defend their position per straight and prohibiting excessive weaving to impede another car. This was introduced to enhance safety and ensure fair competition during overtaking maneuvers.
4. Restrictions on Helmet Design Changes
Implemented: 2016 Season
Incident: Hamilton frequently changed his helmet designs, making it harder for fans, commentators, and officials to identify drivers quickly.
Rule Change: The FIA introduced a rule starting in 2016 limiting drivers to one helmet design per season, with exceptions for special occasions. This aimed to improve driver recognition.
(Edit: as pointed out by several users, the rule on helmet restrictions was primarily driven by the actions of Sebastian Vettel, rather then Hamilton)
5. Reinforcement of Pit Entry and Exit Regulations
Race: 2018 German Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton aborted a pit stop entry by cutting across the grass to rejoin the track, crossing the pit entry line, which was against the rules.
Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced existing rules prohibiting crossing the pit entry and exit lines, emphasizing safety concerns. Drivers must commit to the pit entry once they cross the commitment line and cannot rejoin the track. This clarification ensured consistent enforcement of pit lane regulations.
6. Podium Attire Regulations and Political Messaging
Race: 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix
Incident: Hamilton wore a T-shirt on the podium that read "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor," highlighting social justice issues.
Rule Change: The FIA updated podium and pre-race regulations to prohibit drivers from wearing clothing with political or personal statements during official activities. Drivers must wear their race suits fully zipped up during podium ceremonies and official interviews.β¦
