At the Bahrain Grand Prix, all eyes weren’t just on the action on the track — an off-track moment between Lewis Hamilton and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has now taken center stage after it was caught on camera and swiftly went viral.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion finished fifth in what was the fourth race of the 2025 season. Despite narrowly trailing his former rival Charles Leclerc, now a Ferrari teammate, Hamilton still managed to earn the fan-voted Driver of the Day award, highlighting his enduring popularity and respected performance under pressure.
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri secured his second victory of the season, making him the first driver to claim multiple wins in 2025. George Russell crossed the line in second place, preventing McLaren from pulling off a one-two finish, with Lando Norris completing the podium in third.
However, one of the most talked-about moments came after the checkered flag had fallen. As the drivers made their way through the post-race formalities, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem—once a rally driver for Toyota and Ford—was seen waiting in the weigh-in area, clearly hoping to share a warm moment with Hamilton. With his arms outstretched, Ben Sulayem appeared ready to greet the British star with a hug.
Instead, Hamilton responded with what many interpreted as a cold brush-off—offering only a brief, perfunctory pat on the arm before walking away without so much as a word. The interaction, or lack thereof, was filmed and quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread speculation and commentary among fans and pundits.
Why Did Hamilton Snub the FIA Chief?
While Hamilton hasn’t publicly addressed the incident, it’s no secret that tensions have long simmered between the F1 icon and the sport’s governing body—especially since Ben Sulayem took over as president of the FIA in 2021.
Hamilton has previously made it clear that he has never felt aligned with Ben Sulayem. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix last year, when directly asked in a press conference whether he supported the FIA president, Hamilton’s blunt response was: “He never has.”
That statement wasn’t made in isolation. Hamilton has been a consistent critic of the FIA’s leadership and culture, especially when it comes to issues of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. He has frequently pushed for greater representation and fairness within motorsport, and hasn’t shied away from calling out those in power when he feels they fall short.
One flashpoint came when Hamilton publicly backed Susie Wolff, the managing director of the all-female F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Susie filed a criminal complaint against the FIA following an investigation into a potential conflict of interest—a case many believed was unfairly targeted. Hamilton stood by her, criticizing the FIA’s handling of the matter and suggesting the governing body lacked integrity.
Another controversial moment came when Ben Sulayem made a comment comparing F1 drivers’ use of strong language to that found in “rap music.” The remark, which many saw as racially insensitive, sparked outrage. Hamilton responded forcefully, stating: “Saying ‘rappers’ is very stereotypical. If you think about it, most rappers are black. So when it says: ‘We are not like them,’ those are the wrong choice of words. There is a racial element there.”
A Relationship Beyond Repair?
The relationship between Hamilton and Ben Sulayem has clearly deteriorated to the point of near-estrangement. For a figure as influential and outspoken as Hamilton, his values and beliefs remain at the forefront of his racing career—and he’s never hesitated to challenge those in power when he believes it’s necessary.
His decision to walk past Ben Sulayem without a warm greeting may not have been a spontaneous reaction—it could be interpreted as a symbolic statement, reflecting years of mistrust and disagreement between the two.
Whether the FIA or its president will respond to this latest incident remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Hamilton’s actions, intentional or not, have once again sparked a broader conversation about leadership, respect, and reform in the world of Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton involved in brutally awkward moment with FIA president following Bahrain Grand Prix
