Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes refute rumors that he donated the FIA trophy out of protest
At the FIA prize-giving ceremony on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was presented with the third-place trophy. Mercedes has responded to rumors that he gave the trophy to a fan with a statement.
Mercedes has been obliged to refute allegations that, during the FIA’s annual prize-giving banquet in Azerbaijan, Lewis Hamilton gave away his third-place trophy to a fan.
Following Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in third place this season, Hamilton traveled to Baku to pick up his trophy. According to Formula 1 regulations, the top three drivers are required to attend the race.
The 38-year-old driver picked up his prize on stage first but there was some controversy following the gala when a fan who had also been in attendance claimed on social media that Hamilton gave him the award.
The fan shared a photo of the trophy that appeared to be on display at their house. They had previously shared photos of themselves with Verstappen during the event. “Hi there. Yesterday, I was at the Gala. After giving me the award, Lewis Hamilton departed. I’m at home with the trophy now,” they wrote.
Mercedes, on the other hand, disputes this, saying Hamilton gave the medal to officials. “Just to clarify some of the speculation on social media regarding Lewis’ P3 trophy,” the statement reads.
“Lewis accepted the officials’ offer to have the trophy sent to the squad and left it in their custody as soon as he exited the stage, following the tradition of prize-givings. We can confirm he did not give the trophy to anyone ‘as a gift’ as has been speculated.”
A fan claimed on social media that Hamilton presented the prize to him.
During the event, Hamilton unleashed another barb at the FIA, calling their “unacceptable” inquiry into Toto and Susie Wolff. Claims of a “conflict of interest” between the two—Susie, the managing director of the F1 academy, and Toto Mercedes, the team principal—were briefly looked at by the FIA.
Hamilton is dissatisfied with the FIA’s handling of the matter, but the probe was promptly closed after all other Formula One teams denied filing a complaint. “Disappointing to see the governing body questioning the integrity of one of the most incredible female leaders we’ve had in our sport, without questioning, without any evidence, then just saying sorry at the end, that’s just unacceptable,” he declared.
“There is a fight in the industry to really improve diversity and inclusion, but it seems like there are people in the FIA leadership who try to take a step back every time we move forward. And that has changed.”
