If you watched FP1 for the Indian Grand Prix, you saw Hamilton set fastest lap at the very end of the session. However, at the last turn, some flag bearer was waving double yellow flags, despite the large green light just beyond, and Maldonado's car having already been cleared from the track.
Did Hamilton deserve a trip to the stewards (and the ensuing grid penalty)? Or are the stewards racist again brits and mexicans? (since Perez got a similar penalty).
Update:The racist part was a joke. But seriously, I don't think it was fair for them to be penalized. The green light was clearly displayed, the car was removed from the track, and even the timing screen showed no yellow flags. I feel it was steward miscommunication, and the two drivers shouldn't be penalized for their "mistake." The mistake was never theirs.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I think the problem with the green light and double waved yellows contradicting each other needs to be looked into. I also think that the FIA is feeling very embarrassed about some dumb, inexperienced Indian officials.
But, at the end of the day, the double waved yellows were shown, and Lewis and Sergio set their fastest times through there. 3 spot penalty. No problem. The drivers should err on the side of the "worse" signal.
The rules clearly state that under double yellow flags, a driver must slow down or even stop if necessary and overtaking is prohibited. Lewis & Perez both ignored or failed to notice the flag warnings & so were promptly penalised. It was their own fault. Mclaren accepted the penalty as fair. Lewis also admitted his mistake.
Its really nonsensical that everything that happens to a certain team or individual in whatever sport that goes against the liking of their respective fans is deemed racist. In the same vein, were the Portuguese racist against Brits (Nigel Mansell) for black flagging him when he pulled off an illegal move in the pit lane in Estoril? Or he had only his ownself to blame? Nigel then continued driving 3 more laps under the black flag before colliding with Senna & later admitted that he didnt realise he was being black flagged, hence disqualified from the race and the coming Spanish GP for ignoring the black flag.
Waved double yellows = slow down enough so that it can be seen on the telemetry or you will get into trouble. The rules are clearly written (if you'll pardon the pun) in black and white.
Lewis is lucky that's all he got. He acknowledged the error and accepted the penalty. Not a big deal.