Lewis Hamilton and the FIA have not seen eye to eye over various issues involving protocol over the years. Even though the governing body of F1 made certain rules to improve the ‘safety’ among drivers, Hamilton has often been reluctant to follow them. Amidst these differences in opinion, the FIA has seemingly insulted the seven-time champion with a grave dishonor.
The Briton’s battle with the FIA began last year when the former introduced a jewelry ban. Hamilton was not just unhappy with this rule but also went over and beyond to protest against it. The 38-year-old wore several necklaces and expensive watches at the Miami Grand Prix last year to make a stand against this change.
This wasn’t the only instance where Hamilton and the FIA have not seen eye to eye. In another instance, president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also made it clear that F1 drivers cannot use the sport to make “political, religious and personal statements” without prior approval.
One of the main individuals that was undoubtedly impacted by this rule change was Hamilton. The Mercedes driver has often used the sport as a platform to express his opinion on various matters such as racism, diversity and LGBTQ+ rights.
Since this rule would impact Hamilton significantly, he made it clear that nothing will stop him. As quoted by Sky Sports F1, the 38-year-old explained that he will “fight for things” that he is passionate about. And it seems that the FIA has not taken Hamilton’s reluctance to follow protocol nicely. An F1 fan recently pointed out how the governing body may have just insulted the Briton with a grave dishonor.
Has the FIA showed the ultimate disrespect to Lewis Hamilton?
An F1 fan recently visited the FIA headquarters in Paris, where they noticed something peculiar. While visiting the FIA’s Hall of Fame, they realized that seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s name was not present.
And this was the case despite the FIA having recognized the achievements of most drivers in motorsport. The motorsports governing body’s Hall of Fame featured the names of Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, among several others.
Since Hamilton’s name was not even present among the other drivers, it suggests that the FIA has some bad blood with the Mercedes driver. This may indeed be the ultimate disrespect to Hamilton.
Hamilton is arguably the most deserving driver to be on the Hall of Fame
Considering Lewis Hamilton’s staggering success in F1, he is arguably the most deserving driver when it comes to being a part of the FIA Hall of Fame. The Briton has not only won a joint-record of seven world championships alongside the legendary Michael Schumacher, but has also passed the German in some other impressive records.
Hamilton has 103 wins as compared to Schumacher’s 91 and is still hungry for more success. And the 38-year-old’s records just do not end here as he has also clinched the most pole positions (103) and podium finishes (193) out of anyone in history.
Hence, considering Hamilton’s success, it is surprising that the FIA has not given him the credit he deserves. Even though the Briton continues to have multiple issues with the FIA, he has made it abundantly clear that nothing will stop him from expressing his opinion.
