Romain Grosjean suggested Lewis Hamilton’s position as Formula 1 title contender played a role in the stewards’ decision not to penalise the Mercedes driver after qualifying at Silverstone.
Though the Briton stormed to a sensational fifth pole position at his home race on Saturday, a cloud matching those over the circuit hung over the result, as Hamilton would be investigated for potentially impeding the Frenchman as he approached the final corners during Q3.
Later it would be confirmed that no further action would be taken, however, the 30-year-old insists did cost him up he lost time and was perplexed by how the stewards explained their decision.
“Yes. Surprised by the wording,” the Haas man replied when asked about the ruling. “‘Driver behind has not been impeded’. If losing 0.3 to 0.4s in one corner is not being impeded I’m very surprised.
“I think it opens room for a mess in qualifying and the rules are pretty clear. I know that there is a world title going on at the front but we are in a position where we actually fight as hard as the boys at the front and I was impeded today.
“Maybe if it was another driver the sanction would have been something and it does feel sometimes like there are two types of decisions.
“If next time I have to get my front wing in his rear diffuser to show that I have been impeded…,” he added frustratingly. “We’ve got very clear rules in qualifying and with 10 cars on track in Q3 we should not have those problems.”
Hamilton would defend himself prior to the stewards call, saying: “I was coming around to start my lap, Valtteri was up ahead and behind me, there was a Force India then he came into the pits so no-one was behind me.
“Literally as I was about to get on the gas I looked in the mirror and there was a car coming. If I got in the way I apologise and I had no indication from the team that there was anyone coming.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, however, was furious with Grosjean’s complaints telling reporters: “There are some that moan all the time, they just continue moaning. I don’t want to even comment.
“If Romain Grosjean comes out and starts asking for penalties for other drivers, you should rather look at his track record. He should be happy he is driving in F1.”