Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Lewis Hamilton

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

Sir Lewis Hamilton is a highly accomplished British Formula One racing driver currently racing for Ferrari. He holds a joint-record of seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, sharing the distinction with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton also boasts the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202) in Formula One history, establishing him as one of the sport's most dominant and successful figures.

Sections (7)

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

2007: Tensions at the Hungarian Grand Prix

At the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, tensions between Hamilton and Alonso resurfaced when Hamilton ignored team requests to let Alonso through during the final qualifying session. Alonso then delayed Hamilton in the pits, preventing him from setting a final lap time. Alonso was relegated to sixth place, and McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points.

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: Racist abuse during pre-season testing

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton was heckled and abused during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya by Spanish spectators who wore black face paint and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing racist messages.

2008: Criticism over tax arrangements

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton's tax arrangements were criticized, with Christian Aid singling out his arrangements in a report, and members of parliament criticizing him for avoiding UK taxes.

2010: Disqualification at European Grand Prix

In 2010, at the European Grand Prix in Valencia, Hamilton repeated his earlier GP2 series infraction, by overtaking the safety car, resulting in a disqualification. This incident highlighted a period of his career when he was criticised for being hot-headed. This incident occurred four years after the initial one in the GP2 series.

2011: Remarks about Stewards

In 2011, after being summoned to the stewards in five of the opening six rounds, Lewis 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 of The Guardian highlighted double-standards in Lewis Hamilton's treatment compared to other British drivers by British newspapers, suggesting that his skin color has played a factor.

2016: Runner-Up Finish and Record-Breaking Season

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton finished runner-up in the championship to Rosberg. He won six of seven races mid-season and secured a hat-trick of wins towards the end. Despite defying team orders in Abu Dhabi, he finished second in the championship and broke the record for most wins in a season without becoming the champion.

November 2017: Paradise Papers Leak

In November 2017, the leak of the Paradise Papers revealed that Lewis Hamilton had avoided paying £3.3 million in VAT on his £16.5 million private jet. The BBC Panorama reported that the leasing deal appeared "artificial" and did not comply with EU and UK bans on VAT refunds for private use.

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 on live television, "It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different. For us to get out of the slums" before immediately correcting himself.

2019: Accusations of racist undertones in media scrutiny

In 2019, footballer Rio Ferdinand described media scrutiny of Lewis Hamilton as having "racist undertones" and contrasted Hamilton's treatment to that of fellow British driver Jenson Button.

2020: Support for Racial Justice and FIA Restrictions

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton supported racial justice by wearing a t-shirt stating "arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" during the Tuscan Grand Prix weekend. The FIA subsequently barred drivers from wearing unofficial attire, but Hamilton expressed no regrets.

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 issued a joint statement condemning the abuse.

2021: Intense Title Battle and Controversial Finish

In 2021, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton emerged as title favorites. Amidst their intense battle, they engaged in several on-track collisions. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win. He was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen in Abu Dhabi following a late safety car. During the year, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes.