Gala 2025, held on 5 May in New York, was overshadowed by a shocking incident that the headlines made. According to eyewitnesses, Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen would have pushed his rival Lewis Hamilton off the stairs just after the prestigious event. Witnesses claim that Hamilton “did not get enough space” to pass safely, which led to a fall that fortunately did not cause serious injuries. The hashtag #J4F (Just for Fun) went viral on social media, but the seriousness of the incident raises questions about the rivalry between the two drivers.
Gala, with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, attracted world stars, including Hamilton, who was a striking appearance as a co -chair in an ivory -colored suit by Wales Bonner. Verstappen, who is normally not known for his presence at fashion events, surprised everyone by popping up. According to sources, he was in New York after the Grand Prix of Miami, where he received a punishment for a controversial catch -up action. This incident seems to reinforce the tensions between him and Hamilton, who go back to their intense title fight in 2021.
Eyewitnesses describe a chaotic scene at the exit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hamilton, still in his gala outfit, walked down the stairs when Verstappen, dressed in a simple black hoodie, suddenly passed him. A witness told The Athletic: “It seemed as if Max deliberately walked close to Lewis, gave him no space. Lewis lost his balance and stumbled down a few steps.” Although Hamilton got up quickly and did not need any medical help, the shock among those present was great. Another witness, anonymous on X, wrote: “Max really didn’t give him an inch space, just like on the track. This was not an accident. #J4f.”
The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton is legendary. In 2021, they literally and figuratively clashed during the Grand Prix of Italy, where Verstappen’s car landed on top of Hamiltons cockpit. Verstappen then received a penalty of three places on the grid, but Hamilton traxated the incident later. More recent collisions, such as in Hungary 2024, where they collected again, show that tensions have not disappeared. Hamilton then called Verstappen to “act as champions,” while Verstappen diverted his critics with a Scheldt canonade.
The reactions on social media were divided. Some fans supported Verstappen, with comments such as: “Lewis should have diverted, such as on the circuit!” Others condemned the behavior: “This goes too far, Max must be ashamed.” Red Bull Racing refused comments, but a Ferrari spokesperson said: “Lewis is unharmed and focuses on the upcoming race in Imola.” The FIA, who previously punished McLaren for tire temperature manipulation after proof of Red Bull, has not yet responded to possible disciplinary measures.
The incident raises broader questions about sportiness and personal feuds in Formula 1. Verstappen, which is struggling with a less dominant car in 2025, sometimes seems to focus his frustrations on Hamilton. His comments after the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia, where he received a punishment for a catch-up action against Oscar Piastri, already pointed to a tense attitude. “People cannot handle the complete truth,” he said, referring to the social media actions.
Hamilton, who had a disappointing start at Ferrari with only 31 points in five races, used it with Gala to show his passion for fashion and diversity. In Vogue he emphasized the importance of representing black culture: “This event sends a powerful message that we must continue to celebrate diversity.” His elegant action contrasted sharply with the incident, which strengthened his image as a stylish leader.
The Formula 1 community is now looking forward to Imola, where rivalry will undoubtedly continue. Experts, such as Jeroen Bleekemolen, predict a renewed “Hamilton-Verstappen struggle” in 2025, given Ferrari’s progress and Verstappens determination to defend his title. Bleekemolen said to Racingnews365: “They have mutual respect, but in a hard title fight it can escalate again.”
For the time being, the incident will remain a blemish with Gala on a further glamorous evening. Whether Verstappen acted intentionally remains speculation, but the parallels with its aggressive driving style are unmistakable. As a fan on X wrote: “Max racet everywhere, even on the red carpet.” The Formula 1 world holds its breath for the next chapter in this epic rivalry.
