Just In: Lewis Hamilton Stands Against FIA in DEFENSE of Susie Wolff Amid CONFLICT of… More
Just In: Lewis Hamilton Stands Against FIA in DEFENSE of Susie Wolff Amid CONFLICT of… More
In 2023, Lewis Hamilton took a bold stand against the FIA after the organization conducted a controversial investigation into his Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, and his wife, Susie Wolff. Susie, who serves as the managing director of the F1 Academy, became the subject of scrutiny when the FIA launched a probe into allegations of a conflict of interest between her role and her husband’s position within the Mercedes team.
The accusations, which originated from an unverified claim in a magazine, suggested that the Wolffs’ personal relationship could compromise their professional integrity. The FIA quickly closed its investigation after finding no evidence to support the allegations. Despite this, Susie Wolff decided to pursue legal action, believing that the inquiry had cast an unwarranted shadow over her role and reputation in the sport. Hamilton, a vocal advocate for justice and equality in motorsport, was quick to offer his unwavering support for Susie in her fight for fairness.
Hamilton’s displeasure with the FIA’s handling of the situation became apparent during the 2023 FIA Gala. Although he attended the event, he refused to accept the trophy he had earned for finishing third in the Drivers’ Championship. During his speech, Hamilton did not mince words. He expressed his frustration with the FIA for what he viewed as a failure to uphold the values of integrity and inclusivity within the sport. He criticized certain individuals within the organization for questioning the credibility of one of F1’s most respected female leaders, emphasizing that Susie Wolff’s leadership should be celebrated, not scrutinized without cause.
Hamilton remarked: “It has been a challenging and disappointing week. To see that the governing body has sought to question the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we have ever had in our sport, Susie Wolff, without any proper investigation or evidence, and then to simply apologize at the end – that is unacceptable.”
His comments reflected his long-standing commitment to championing diversity and inclusion within motorsport. Hamilton has consistently used his platform to advocate for marginalized voices, making it clear that he will not shy away from speaking out against what he perceives as unjust treatment or discriminatory practices. In his speech, he highlighted how the FIA’s actions seemed to hinder the progress made toward increasing representation and inclusivity within F1.
“There is a constant fight to improve diversity and inclusion in this industry,” Hamilton continued. “It seems there are certain individuals in the leadership of the FIA who, every time we try to make a step forward, are trying to pull us back, and that has to change.”
Hamilton’s decision to refuse his award at the FIA Gala was seen as a powerful statement of his dissatisfaction with the organization’s approach to such issues. It also underscored his personal investment in the cause of improving equality in the sport.
Since making this public stand in 2023, Hamilton has enjoyed a return to form on the track. After enduring a winless streak that spanned two years, the seven-time world champion added two more victories to his illustrious career, bringing his total number of Grand Prix wins to 105. His fight for social justice, however, remains as fierce as ever, with Hamilton continuing to use his influence both on and off the track to push for positive change in Formula 1 and beyond.