Lewis Hamilton snubbed the F1 award (Image: Getty)
Lewis Hamilton has a long track record of making big and brave statements when it comes to the FIA, speaking up for the marginalised voices across F1 and motorsport.
The star’s moral compass means that he may even choose to boycott events or irritate the FIA on purpose – and that proved to be the case in 2023.
The Briton had taken a stand against the world motorsport governing body with a staunch defence of ‘s wife, Susie, who is the managing director of the F1 Academy.
It came after the FIA launched an investigation into the power couple over an alleged conflict of interest before swiftly closing their probe.
The allegation stems from an unsubstantiated claim made in a magazine, stating that rivals believed their relationship represented a conflict of interest. Both parties strongly denied that any such thing had taken place, and the FIA dropped their inquiry on Thursday.
But that didn’t stop the former F1 driver from launching her own legal action against the organisation, with Hamilton lending his full support to Mrs Wolff.
While the 39-year-old did turn up to the FIA Gala last year, he took aim at ‘certain individuals’ and refused to take the trophy he had earned for finishing third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Instead, Hamilton said: “It has been a challenging week, and a disappointing week.
Lewis Hamilton supported Susie Wolff, the wife of Mercedes boss Toto (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“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 in Susie Wolff without questioning and without any evidence and then just saying ‘sorry’ at the end. That is unacceptable.
“There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry. It seems there are certain individuals in the leadership of the FIA that every time we try and make a step forward they are trying to pull us back, and that has to change.”
Of course, things have changed in the year since he made that public statement in defence of Susie. Hamilton had gone two years without winning a Grand Prix, but added two more victories to his haul to make it 105 overall.
Toto Wolff released a statement after being briefly investigated by the FIA (Image: Getty)
released a statement after the FIA inquiry was dropped, signalling his intent to pursue a full explanation. “We are currently in active legal exchange with the FIA,” it read. “We await full transparency about what took place and why, and have expressly reserved all legal rights.”
Susie’s legal action is still pending, but the Wolffs have been seen around the paddock together seemingly unfazed by the allegations that were made against them.
Hamilton is also leaving for , bringing an end to his 12-year association with the Silver Arrows. But his efforts in defending Susie were certainly appreciated by the Scot, who paid tribute to the seven-time world champion before his final race in Abu Dhabi.
As the end-of-season awards head to Kigali in Rwanda, Hamilton will be glad not to have to speak out again as he prepares for the offseason.