The FIA Gala 2023 in Baku took place against the backdrop of Lewis Hamilton’s increasingly fraught relationship with Formula One’s governing body. His criticism of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the organisation’s approach to key issues such as sustainability and sportsmanship has been growing.

Indeed the tensions have been apparent, in particular since Mohammad ben Sulyman took over as FIA president. These tensions were palpable at the gala, an event designed to celebrate the pinnacle of motorsport success but marred by underlying conflicts.

Hamilton’s criticism of FIA

Hamilton’s critical stance towards Ben Sulayem’s leadership, especially after the controversial end to the 2021 championship, was a recurring theme. His frustration with the FIA’s handling of various issues, including environmental concerns, has only deepened.

The gala in Baku, a location that required extensive travel for most attendees, was in stark contrast to the environmental values that Hamilton, an advocate of sustainability, holds dear, at least publically. This contradiction likely contributed to his growing disillusionment with the organisation’s priorities. This is what Hamilton would like us to believe, but quite how this can be resolved when considering the jet-set personal lifestyle the British F1 driver likes to display on his various social media networks, is anyone’s guess.

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The 2021 Gala Boycott and Ongoing Controversies

Hamilton’s absence from the 2021 FIA Gala, following the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he lost the title to Max Verstappen, was a significant indicator of his dissatisfaction with the FIA. The event highlighted the strained relationship between Hamilton and the governing body, setting the stage for future conflict.

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Hamilton flouting FIA rules

Hamilton’s ongoing battle with the FIA over wearing jewellery while driving a Formula One car has been a notable point of contention. This act will for fans highlight his willingness to challenge authority and stand firm on personal principles, but for many others be a sign of a flagrant disregard of the governing body for the sport.

The FIA’s strict safety regulations prohibit drivers from wearing jewellery during races, citing potential risks in medical emergencies. But Hamilton, known for his distinctive personal style, which often includes earrings and other accessories, has frequently flouted this rule. His defiance has not only been a personal choice, but a public statement that has challenged the FIA’s stance and sparked wider discussions about individual expression versus regulatory compliance in sport.

Hamilton’s stance on this issue is emblematic of his broader approach: challenging norms and using his platform to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means going against the grain of F1’s traditionalist views.

The 2023 gala: The final straw

At the 2023 Gala, Hamilton’s frustrations seemed to reach a boiling point. According to social media posts, Hamilton reportedly gave his FIA award trophy to a stranger and then exited the event, a ‘mic drop’ moment. Whether interpreted as a gesture of disillusionment or a statement against the practices of the FIA, this act underlined his deep-seated discontent.

Hamilton’s championing of environmental causes stands in stark contrast to the FIA’s actions, particularly the decision to hold the Gala in a location that requires extensive travel. This decision, which goes against the principles of sustainability, may have contributed to Hamilton’s decision to distance himself from the ceremony.

The world of Formula One is witnessing a growing rift, a battle between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), led by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and Liberty Media, the commercial rights holders of Formula One.

This tension isn’t just about different visions for the future of the sport; it’s also a battle for control and influence. Certainly, the bizarre events at, and leading up to the Gala, are proof of this. The strange FIA ‘investigation’ of Toto and Susie Wolff is a prime manifestation hinting at a power struggle behind the scenes.

The FIA, as the sport’s governing body, is responsible for the regulations, safety standards and overall integrity of Formula One. Liberty Media, on the other hand, acquired F1’s commercial rights in 2017 and has since been tasked with expanding the sport’s global appeal and profitability.

While both entities share the goal of ensuring the sport’s success, their approaches seem to currently clash. Liberty Media’s push for more races, new formats and entertainment value sometimes clashes with the FIA’s focus on tradition, regulatory stability and sporting fairness.

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Wolff and Hamilton: The Mercedes position

Adding to the complexity of this dynamic is the stance of Mercedes AMG F1, in particular team principal Toto Wolff and star driver Lewis Hamilton. Wolff has been a vocal critic of certain FIA decisions, particularly those that affect his team’s competitive interests.

His influence extends beyond the Mercedes team, Wolff certainly sees himself as an informal leader among F1 teams, often pushing for changes that benefit the sport’s competitive balance and entertainment value.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, sees himself as much more than a driver in recent years. He has used his platform to champion social and environmental causes, sometimes putting him at odds with the sport’s governing bodies. His advocacy of diversity and sustainability in Formula One sometimes clashes with the decisions or pace of change set by the FIA and Liberty Media.

For some, perhaps many, this view is somewhat hypocritical.