Lewis Hamilton's frosty moment with FIA president after British GP speaks volumes
British Grand Prix-winner Lewis Hamilton shared a tense moment with FIA chief Mohammed ben Sulayem following his miraculous triumph at Silverstone
Nothing could put a dent in Lewis Hamilton's happiness following his unexpected victory at the British Grand Prix on Sunday. Not even the frostiest of handshakes with FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem.
It's common knowledge that seven-time Formula 1 world champion Hamilton isn't the biggest fan of motorsport's head honcho. But even an unprompted run-in with Ben Sulayem wasn't going to mar the Mercedes star's first F1 win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP.
Despite seeing team-mate George Russell retire early on, Hamilton pulled through to finish first having clinched just one podium finish thus far in 2024 prior to Sunday's race. The 39-year-old could be heard crying on the Mercedes radio after crossing the line at Silverstone, sharing an emotional embrace with his dad and engineers immediately after.
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Hamilton had barely stepped off the scales on track when Ben Sulayem approached to shake his hand. However, it was clear from the former's body language that he was eager to get away.
The Silver Arrows superstar barely extended a hand in response when he looked up from the scales to see Ben Sulayem in front of him. And he brushed past the FIA chief's shoulder before sharing a much heartier exchange with Red Bull rival Max Verstappen.
It was back in March that Hamilton delivered a scathing critique of Ben Sulayem after the FIA raised a short-lived investigation into Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and his wife, F1 Academy boss Susie. The allegations - which suggested the Wolffs collaborated in passing confidential information between the team and Formula One Management - were swiftly shut down without explanation, and Hamilton didn't hold back when asked if Ben Sulayem had his backing as FIA president.
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“He never has,” he said in response. The seven-time world champion went on to address the FIA's handling of certain issues in and around F1 and its response in light of the criticism it's faced as a result.
“There is a real lack of accountability here, within this sport, within the FIA,” he added. “There are things that are happening behind closed doors, there is no transparency, there is really no accountability and we need that. The fans need that. How can you trust the sport and what is happening here if you don’t have that?”
Former rally driver Ben Sulayem was elected to replace F1 legend Jean Todt as FIA supremo in December 2021. However, his tenure has been dotted with controversy, including accusations of sexism and for the FIA's handling of the investigation into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The spotlight was once again placed on Ben Sulayem in March 2024 when the FIA confirmed it had received two whistleblower reports on the eve of the new season. One of those suggested he had attempted to have the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix called off, while another accused him of trying to interfere during last year's Saudi Arabian GP. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation.
While he had his helmet on at the time, one need not see Hamilton's face to interpret how the Mercedes star feels about the FIA boss.