Lewis Hamilton makes surprising statement on Verstappen’s accusation against Norris as stewards deliver verdict at Japanese GP

Lewis Hamilton has shared a surprising perspective on the controversy involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the Japanese Grand Prix, as stewards ruled out any penalties for either driver.

The incident occurred mid-race during routine pit stops. Verstappen, leading comfortably at the time, lost momentum due to a slow stop. That allowed McLaren’s Lando Norris to pull out of his box side-by-side with the Red Bull driver. As both approached the pit lane exit, Norris attempted to move ahead—but Verstappen gave him no room, forcing the Brit onto the grass.

The dramatic moment Lando Norris went off track when battling with Max Verstappen at the pit lane exit

Norris quickly took to team radio to complain: “He saw me alongside, I was easily alongside.” But Verstappen remained firm in his stance and went further by accusing Norris of a potential rule violation: “Also, he pressed the pit limiter off too early, there’s no way that was legal,” implying Norris may have been speeding.

After a brief investigation, the stewards announced that no further action would be taken, concluding that neither driver broke the rules.

In the aftermath, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton—who had a quiet race of his own, finishing seventh behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc—gave a calm but unexpected response when asked about the controversy.

“Honestly, it looked like a racing incident to me,” Hamilton said. “As for Max’s comment about Lando speeding, I think that’s a bit much unless there’s solid evidence. In high-pressure moments, we all say things over the radio. But I trust the stewards to make the right call—and they did.”

Hamilton’s take surprised some, as he rarely comments directly on spats between other drivers. His support for the stewards’ judgment highlights his growing experience and measured approach to the sport.

While Verstappen and Norris walked away without penalties, the moment added intensity to what had otherwise been a fairly uneventful Grand Prix in Suzuka—except for Hamilton’s own struggles. The British driver later revealed that an element on his Ferrari was “underperforming” compared to Leclerc’s, contributing to the 13-second gap between the two at the finish line.

As the F1 season continues, tensions are rising both on and off the track—and Hamilton, it seems, is staying focused on performance, not politics.