🔥Breaking news: Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Ferrari boss criticise Mohammed Ben Sulayem after shocking incident affecting Ferrari at FIA. Details in comments 👇👇
The 2025 Formula 1 season has been anything but smooth for Ferrari, and the latest controversy involving the FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has pushed tensions to a boiling point. Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur have publicly criticized Ben Sulayem following a series of events that culminated in a disastrous outcome for the Scuderia at the Chinese Grand Prix. The incident, which saw both Ferrari drivers disqualified, has sparked outrage in the paddock and raised serious questions about the FIA’s governance under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
The drama unfolded in Shanghai, where Hamilton and Leclerc finished sixth and fifth, respectively, only to be stripped of their results due to technical infringements. Leclerc’s car was found to be 1kg below the minimum weight requirement, while Hamilton’s car failed a ride-height check due to excessive skid block wear. The FIA’s post-race scrutineering confirmed the breaches, and Ferrari admitted culpability, citing miscalculations in expected wear and tear. While the team insisted there was no intent to gain an advantage, the disqualifications were a humiliating blow, especially for Hamilton, who was competing in only his second race for Ferrari after a high-profile move from Mercedes.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion known for his outspokenness, did not hold back in his criticism of the FIA. He described the penalties as “excessively harsh” and questioned the consistency of the governing body’s decisions. “We’re pushing the limits to compete, and these fine margins are part of the game, but the way the FIA is handling things feels like they’re targeting certain teams,” Hamilton said in a post-race interview. His comments echoed sentiments he has expressed in the past, including his disapproval of Ben Sulayem’s leadership style and controversial remarks, such as comparing drivers’ language to “rappers,” which Hamilton called out for its racial undertones.
Leclerc, typically more reserved, also voiced his frustration. “It’s disappointing to lose points like this when we’re already fighting an uphill battle,” he said. “The team is working hard, and these kinds of decisions make it even tougher to stay competitive.” Leclerc’s comments reflect the growing discontent among drivers, many of whom feel that the FIA’s recent crackdowns—on everything from swearing to technical regulations—are detracting from the sport’s spirit. The disqualifications in China have only amplified these concerns, with Ferrari now lagging 61 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, took a more diplomatic but equally pointed stance. In a statement, he acknowledged the team’s errors but criticized the FIA’s approach to enforcement. “We accept the stewards’ decision, but the process needs to be more transparent and consistent,” Vasseur said. He also revealed that Ferrari has initiated talks with Formula 1 officials to address the broader implications of the incident, including how technical regulations are communicated and enforced. Vasseur’s comments suggest that Ferrari is not only seeking clarity but also pushing for reforms to prevent similar controversies in the future.
The backlash against Ben Sulayem comes at a time when his presidency is already under scrutiny. Since taking office in 2021, the FIA president has faced criticism for a series of polarizing decisions, from cracking down on driver conduct to overseeing what many describe as a “governance crisis.” The resignation of deputy president Robert Reid earlier this month, accompanied by a scathing letter accusing Ben Sulayem of poor leadership, has only added fuel to the fire. Reports of internal turmoil, including the departure of other senior FIA figures, have painted a picture of an organization struggling to maintain stability.
For Ferrari, the Chinese Grand Prix debacle is a setback in an already challenging season. Hamilton, who joined the team with high expectations, has struggled to match Leclerc’s pace, with the latter consistently outperforming him in qualifying and races. The disqualifications have further dented Ferrari’s hopes of challenging McLaren for the constructors’ title, while both drivers are significantly behind championship leader Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings. The team now faces the daunting task of regrouping ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Ben Sulayem is expected to make his first appearance of the season, likely under intense media scrutiny.
The broader implications of this controversy extend beyond Ferrari. Drivers like Max Verstappen, who recently clashed with Ben Sulayem over a penalty in Saudi Arabia, have also expressed frustration with the FIA’s heavy-handed approach. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has hinted at taking collective action to address these grievances, potentially putting more pressure on Ben Sulayem as he faces re-election at the end of 2025. For now, the paddock is buzzing with speculation about what comes next, but one thing is clear: the rift between Ferrari, its drivers, and the FIA is far from resolved.
