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 competing for Ferrari. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. Hamilton has achieved a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tying with Michael Schumacher. He also holds numerous records, including the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202). His career has been marked by exceptional skill, consistent performance, and significant influence on Formula One racing.

Sections (7)

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

2007: Qualifying incident at Hungarian Grand Prix

During the final qualifying session of the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton ignored requests to let Alonso pass, leading to Alonso being relegated to sixth and Hamilton starting first. McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points, and Hamilton reportedly swore at Dennis.

2007: Racist abuse at Chinese Grand Prix

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

2008: Tax Arrangement Criticism

In 2008, Hamilton's tax arrangements were highlighted in a Christian Aid report. That same year, he faced criticism from members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes.

2008: Racist abuse at Circuit de Catalunya

In 2008, during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, Lewis Hamilton was heckled and abused by Spanish spectators wearing black face paint and black wigs, prompting the FIA to launch a "Race Against Racism" campaign.

2010: Disqualified at European Grand Prix

In 2010, Hamilton was disqualified in Formula One at the European Grand Prix in Valencia for overtaking the safety car.

2011: Ali G Comment

In 2011, after repeated summons to the stewards, Hamilton quipped, referencing Ali G, "maybe it's because I'm black."

2014: Double standards in media treatment

In 2014, The Guardian journalist Joseph Harker highlighted double-standards in Lewis Hamilton's treatment compared to other British drivers by British newspapers, suggesting that his skin colour played a factor.

November 2017: Paradise Papers Leak

In November 2017, the leak of the Paradise Papers revealed that Hamilton avoided paying £3.3 million of VAT on his £16.5 million private jet. The leasing deal was questioned by BBC Panorama as potentially artificial and non-compliant with EU and UK regulations.

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

In December 2018, Hamilton caused controversy at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards by saying "to get out of the slums" when referring to his upbringing, before correcting himself and apologizing for his choice of words.

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2019: Media scrutiny described as having racist undertones

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

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

In 2020, during the Tuscan Grand Prix weekend, 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: Online racist abuse after British Grand Prix

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

2021: Regulation Changes for the 2021 Season

In 2021, regulation changes saw Red Bull make performance gains on Mercedes. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win at the Spanish and Russian Grands Prix. Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen following a late safety car. During the year, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes for two additional years.