Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Lewis Hamilton

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver currently driving for Ferrari. He is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, having won a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tied with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton holds numerous records, including the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202).

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2007: Qualifying Incident at the Hungarian Grand Prix

At the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, tensions resurfaced when Lewis Hamilton ignored team requests to let Fernando Alonso pass during qualifying, resulting in Alonso being penalized and McLaren losing Constructors' Championship points. Hamilton's reaction led to further strain within the team.

2007: Racist Abuse at the Chinese Grand Prix

In 2007, Lewis Hamilton suffered racist abuse from Spanish Formula One supporters at the Chinese Grand Prix.

2008: Criticism for Tax Arrangements

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton faced criticism after a report by Christian Aid highlighted his tax arrangements and he was criticised by members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes.

2008: Racist Abuse During Pre-Season Testing in Spain

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton was heckled and abused by Spanish spectators during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, with some wearing black face paint and offensive shirts. The FIA launched a "Race Against Racism" campaign in response.

2010: Disqualification at the European Grand Prix

In 2010, Hamilton was disqualified at the European Grand Prix in Valencia for overtaking the safety car, a mistake he had previously made in the GP2 Series.

2011: Racial Comment

In 2011, after being summoned to the stewards in five of the opening six rounds, Hamilton quipped, "maybe it's because I'm black, that's what Ali G says."

2014: Double-Standards in Media Treatment

In 2014, Joseph Harker from The Guardian highlighted double standards in the treatment of Lewis Hamilton by British newspapers compared to other British drivers, suggesting his skin color played a role.

November 2017: Paradise Papers leak reveals tax avoidance

In November 2017, the Paradise Papers leak revealed that Lewis Hamilton had avoided paying £3.3 million in VAT on his £16.5 million private jet.

2017: Rivalry with Vettel

In 2017, Ferrari, driven by Sebastian Vettel, produced a car capable of challenging Mercedes, leading to a hard-fought championship battle. At the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Vettel and Hamilton had an on-track incident, resulting in a penalty for Vettel.

December 2018: Controversial Comments at BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards

In December 2018, Lewis Hamilton caused controversy at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards when he said, "It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different. For us to get out of the slums", before correcting himself. He later apologized for his choice of words.

2019: Media Scrutiny with Racist Undertones

In 2019, Rio Ferdinand described media scrutiny of Lewis Hamilton as having "racist undertones", contrasting it with the treatment of Jenson Button.

December 2020: Concerns over Human Rights in Bahrain

In December 2020, Lewis Hamilton confronted human rights issues in Bahrain, addressing allegations of sportswashing. He spoke out after an 11-year-old boy asked him to save his father from the death penalty. Hamilton discussed the case with human rights organisations, legal experts, and Bahraini officials.

2020: Wearing "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" T-shirt

During the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton wore a t-shirt stating "arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor". Subsequently, the FIA barred drivers from wearing unofficial attire on the podium and in media interviews.

2021: Ended Runner-up to Max Verstappen

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions but ended the season as runner-up to Max Verstappen amidst a disputed finish.

2021: Criticism of Anti-LGBT Law

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton criticised the Hungarian government for their anti-LGBT law before the Hungarian Grand Prix and called out LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia before the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

2021: Online Racist Abuse Following British Grand Prix Win

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the British Grand Prix. Mercedes, Formula One, and the FIA condemned the abuse.