Breaking: Lewis Hamilton snubs FIA President in awkward exchange after Ba…read more
Lewis Hamilton Appears to Dismiss Hug from FIA President in Tense Bahrain GP Moment
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, a subtle yet noticeable incident between Formula 1 legend Sir Lewis Hamilton and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has sparked widespread debate in the motorsport community. As Hamilton made his way out of the weigh-in area after finishing fifth in the race—his debut Grand Prix for Ferrari—he was met by Ben Sulayem, who extended his arms for what seemed like a congratulatory embrace. However, Hamilton responded with only a brief pat before walking away, leaving the FIA President momentarily frozen and awkwardly left without the anticipated hug.
The exchange, captured on video and quickly shared across social media platforms, was seen by many as a public snub. It wasn’t long before fans and pundits alike began speculating about the deeper context behind the seemingly cold interaction. While some dismissed it as a harmless miscommunication, others saw it as a manifestation of the ongoing tension between Hamilton and the sport’s governing body, particularly its current leadership under Ben Sulayem.
This wasn’t the first time signs of strain between the two have come to light. Hamilton has been an outspoken critic of the FIA’s approach to several key issues over the years. He has frequently advocated for greater inclusion, transparency, and accountability within the sport—calls that haven’t always been well-received by the FIA hierarchy.
The relationship between Hamilton and Ben Sulayem, specifically, has often appeared rocky. In early 2024, when asked during a press conference whether he supported the FIA President’s leadership, Hamilton bluntly responded, “Never have.” This candid remark underlined a level of disconnect that has only seemed to grow since. Their conflicting views have been evident in various controversies, ranging from rule interpretations to public comments made by the FIA head.
One particular flashpoint occurred after Ben Sulayem made remarks comparing Formula 1 drivers’ use of explicit language to rap music. Hamilton, the only Black driver in the sport and a prominent advocate for racial equality, found the comparison offensive and criticized it as being rooted in racial stereotyping. “There is nothing wrong with rap music,” Hamilton had responded, pointing out the inappropriateness of using cultural generalizations in such a global sport.
Given this history, many have interpreted the awkward post-race moment in Bahrain not as an isolated incident, but rather as an unspoken commentary on the current state of affairs between the two figures. It served as a visual symbol of the broader tensions within the sport—between those pushing for change and those defending the status quo.
Despite the off-track drama, Hamilton’s performance during the Bahrain Grand Prix was largely seen as a step forward. After a tough qualifying session that saw him start ninth on the grid, he managed to climb up the order and finish fifth, demonstrating growing confidence with his new Ferrari machinery. Speaking to the press after the race, Hamilton said he felt more connected with the car, claiming he had “figured out how the car likes to drive”—a promising sign for the rest of the season.
Still, the uncomfortable moment between Hamilton and Ben Sulayem overshadowed some of the weekend’s racing achievements. It also reignited conversations about the FIA’s role in shaping the future of Formula 1 and whether its leadership is aligned with the sport’s evolving values.
As the championship unfolds, eyes will not only be on lap times and podium finishes but also on how this dynamic plays out behind the scenes. Whether this latest incident leads to reconciliation or further distance remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: in modern Formula 1, the drama doesn’t end at the checkered flag.
