The drama surrounding the 2024 British Grand Prix took a shocking turn when former racing driver Danica Patrick openly criticized Lewis Hamilton, declaring him “unworthy” of the victory amid rising cheating allegations. Patrick’s bold comments have sparked heated debate across the motorsport world, with many questioning the integrity of one of Formula 1’s most celebrated stars.

The 2024 British GP was filled with excitement and tension as Hamilton crossed the finish line first, edging out his long-time rival Max Verstappen. However, the celebrations quickly soured when accusations of foul play began circulating. Critics claimed that Hamilton’s team may have bent the rules to gain a competitive edge, casting doubt over his victory.

Among those questioning the legitimacy of Hamilton’s win is none other than Danica Patrick, who did not hold back in expressing her frustration. “He’s not worthy of that win,” Patrick stated during a post-race interview. “Max was clearly the better driver today. It’s just disappointing to see a race decided by questionable tactics instead of pure skill.”

The allegations that have surfaced primarily revolve around Hamilton’s car setup and potential breaches of track limits that were allegedly ignored by the race stewards. According to reports, there were multiple instances where Hamilton may have gained an unfair advantage, particularly during the crucial final laps.

Patrick, known for her outspoken nature, doubled down on her stance, pointing out what she believes were inconsistencies in how the rules were applied. “If you’re going to allow certain drivers to push the limits while penalizing others for the same thing, it makes a mockery of the sport,” she said. “Max deserves that win, not someone who’s benefitted from biased officiating.”

Max Verstappen, who finished a close second, has remained relatively diplomatic in his public comments. “It is what it is,” Verstappen said when asked about Patrick’s remarks. “I felt strong in the car today and gave it everything, but sometimes these things happen. I’ll just focus on the next race and make sure there’s no doubt about who’s the fastest on track.”

However, Verstappen’s team has reportedly lodged a formal complaint with the FIA, demanding a thorough investigation into Hamilton’s race conduct. Should the investigation find evidence of wrongdoing, it could lead to penalties or even a reversal of the race result.

The motorsport community is sharply divided over Patrick’s comments. Hamilton’s fans have come out in full force, defending the seven-time world champion and dismissing the allegations as baseless. “Danica is just stirring the pot for attention,” one fan commented on social media. “Hamilton is a legend, and nothing can take away from his achievements.”

On the other hand, Verstappen supporters and neutral observers have praised Patrick for speaking out against what they see as favoritism in Formula 1. “She’s absolutely right – rules should be enforced equally,” one fan tweeted. “If Hamilton’s win was tainted, it should be overturned.”

Several F1 analysts have weighed in on the controversy, with opinions split. Some agree with Patrick that the race officiating was inconsistent, while others believe that Hamilton’s win was legitimate and that the accusations are merely a distraction.

Danica Patrick remains a significant figure in motorsports, despite retiring from competitive racing. Her transition to media and commentary has allowed her to maintain a strong voice in the racing community, and her opinions often carry weight. While some see her comments as biased or exaggerated, there’s no denying that she’s ignited an important conversation about fairness and transparency in the sport.

This is not the first time Patrick has criticized F1’s handling of race regulations. She has previously spoken out about what she perceives as favoritism toward certain drivers and teams, arguing that it undermines the spirit of competition.

The fallout from the British GP is far from over. With Verstappen’s team pushing for a deeper investigation and the FIA under pressure to provide clarity, the result could still be up in the air. Hamilton, for his part, remains confident in his victory, stating, “I know I won that race fair and square. We’re always pushing the limits, but we do it within the rules.”

As the season continues, all eyes will be on the ongoing rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen. Whether Patrick’s comments will have any lasting impact remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this controversy has only fueled the already intense battle between two of F1’s greatest drivers.