Lewis Hamilton has finally spoken out after going viral for seemingly snapping at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in an awkward post-race moment at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion was accused of “rude behaviour” after he appeared to brush off the FIA chief during what should have been a cordial exchange near the weigh-in area. Footage from the scene showed Ben Sulayem standing with his arms outstretched, ready for a warm embrace from Hamilton. Instead, the Mercedes driver merely gave a brief pat before walking away without a word, sparking a flurry of speculation online.
In a statement after the incident, Hamilton addressed the controversy directly: “There was no intention to be disrespectful,” he said. “Emotions run high after every race and sometimes I need a moment to collect myself. I have the utmost respect for the institution of the FIA, even if I have had disagreements with individuals within the FIA.” Hamilton’s comments come after a tense history with Ben Sulayem, who has faced criticism for several controversial remarks, including one in which he compared the language of F1 drivers to that of “rap music” – something Hamilton found racially offensive.
“Saying ‘rappers’ is very stereotypical,” Hamilton said at the time. “If you think about it, most rappers are black. So when it says, ‘We’re not like them,’ that’s the wrong choice of words. There’s a racial element there.” The tense relationship between the two goes back further. In advance of the 2023 Australian GP, Hamilton made it clear that he has never supported Ben Sulaym’s leadership. “He’s never [had my support],” Hamilton said at a press conference. The Bahrain GP was the fourth race of the season, where Hamilton finished fifth and was named Driver of the Day. While McLaren’s Oscar Piastri celebrated his second win of the season and George Russell secured P2 for Mercedes, it was Hamilton’s off-track moment that stole the spotlight. As the F1 season progresses, fans will be keeping a close eye on how Hamilton and the FIA leadership navigate their uneasy relationship.
