Lewis Hamilton accused Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, of applying “double standards” after receiving a 10-second penalty at the Mexican Grand Prix, saying he felt “let down” by race officials.

The incident occurred on Lap 6, during a battle with Max Verstappen. After both drivers went off track in separate moments, Hamilton rejoined the circuit across the grass, gaining a lasting advantage, according to FIA stewards. Although Hamilton avoided punishment for ignoring race director instructions — due to excess speed preventing him from taking the designated re-entry route — the FIA determined he failed to yield the position he gained from Verstappen.

The penalty dropped Hamilton down to P8 at the finish, while Verstappen claimed third place.

Hamilton blasted the decision afterwards, saying:

“Ultimately, I feel very let down by the governing body. It’s double standards, as you can tell.”

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur echoed Hamilton’s frustration, arguing the 10-second penalty was excessive and inconsistently applied, noting Verstappen had also gone off track earlier in the same sequence without sanction.

“I don’t remember when someone took 10 seconds,” Vasseur said, adding that the penalty likely cost Ferrari P4 in the final classification.

The FIA defended its ruling, insisting that Hamilton’s off-track re-entry gave him an unfair advantage by overtaking Verstappen and not surrendering the position.

With four races remaining, Hamilton remains sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, 64 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc.