Lewis Hamilton asks the FIA to make a big change about Max Verstappen after some unheard radio messages came out following the Mexican GP.
Lewis Hamilton has asked the FIA to make a big change after an unheard radio message about Max Verstappen came out.
On Sunday, Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One champion ever by finishing third and securing the 2026 title at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Ahead of him were fellow champions Hamilton and Verstappen, who joined the celebrations despite a controversial moment during the race. This moment has led Hamilton to call for major rule changes from the FIA.
Verstappen won the race in Mexico, marking his third victory in four races this season. Near the end, the four-time champion held off Hamilton, who finished second after a clash with his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton was just 0.799 seconds behind Verstappen.
After the race, Hamilton asked the FIA to rethink the “silly clips” put in place during the race. He explained, “We let Max pass, and the race was done after that. You just can’t overtake here. I think the FIA needs to fix this. I’m sure Max and Kimi agree too.”
He went on, “There’s a speed limit on the end of the straight where you can’t go faster, so everyone stays in line. It’s frustrating when you’re behind and have more power in the slipstream. You should be able to go faster to pass. The engine can do it, but these clips stop it. This is the worst engine setting I’ve seen, and it hurts the racing. That’s why you didn’t see much passing today.”
Hamilton added that the track itself, with thin air and low downforce, makes it tough to follow other cars closely.
Basically, Hamilton’s point is that the power limits in Mexico took away the usual slipstream benefit on the long straight. Normally, following a car closely helps you speed up and overtake, but the rules stopped him from building enough speed to pass before Turn One.
“I tried everything to get close to Max, but maybe they need to change the last corner or the track layout to allow better racing,” Hamilton said. “But with these clips, it’s tough to have a good race.”
Though his idea to change the clipping sounds big, any changes would probably come for the 2027 season and could shake up the whole field. Making the rules less strict could help faster cars pass more easily and make it harder for slower cars to block, leading to more exciting races. It might also favor teams with stronger engines over those who rely more on electric systems.
Hamilton’s comments came after a previously unheard radio message during the race showed when he lost hope of passing Verstappen. On Lap 64, his race engineer told him he had overtake mode and boost available for a late attack. But Hamilton wasn’t confident and replied, “How am I supposed to overtake the Red Bull engine?”
Later in the cooldown room, Hamilton told Verstappen that his car “has too much power on the straights.” Verstappen joked back, “I needed it with your cornering!”
They also talked about the clipping issue, with Verstappen agreeing it “really kills overtaking” before Turn One in Mexico.
It’s clear both drivers want better, more exciting racing ahead.