Lewis Hamilton has faced a ban from the most prestigious race on the F1 calendar.
Two years ago, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem made one of the first bold moves of his reign, suggesting he consider banning Lewis Hamilton from the Monaco Grand Prix if he refused Comply with agency regulations regarding the use of jewelry in the cockpit.
Twenty-four months later, tensions between the two are still high.
Hamilton has made a big point about Ben Sulayem being fined for wearing jewelery while driving, prompting the newly elected FIA president to tell the Daily Mail: “It’s up to him.
There are fines that apply.
It’s like someone speeding on the road: you can’t stop them from doing it but they will be fined, even if it was unintentional.
“You can’t let people go because they’re your friends.
There has to be one rule for everyone, and that’s that rule.
I love jewelry.
I absolutely adore it.
But by car, you may not have a choice.
People say they (the rules) have never been applied before.
Do not ask me why.
People can ask the old regime why it was like that.
” Although the fight between Hamilton and Ben Sulayem over jewelry is no longer the pressing issue it once was, there have been a number of other controversial incidents involving the FIA ​​President that have weakened the power of the FIA ​​President.
he to key figures in the paddock, including seven-time world champion Among the controversial calls, the decision to investigate F1 Academy director Susie Wolff is the most important.
The investigation was launched after a report in BusinessF1 magazine claimed team principals had raised concerns about the possible transmission of confidential information from the Scot to her Mercedes team principal husband, Toto Wolff.
The investigation has sparked the ire of Ms Wolff and the unwavering support of the 10 teams on the grid, who have issued coordinated statements that differ from reported concerns.
The 41-year-old man later sued the FIA ​​for its role in the embarrassing story.
This is not the only issue undermining Ben Sulayem’s power.
The UAE official was himself the subject of a brief internal investigation after reports from the BBC quoted a whistleblower.
These reports suggest that Ben Sulayem attempted to use his power to overturn the penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as well as attempting to prevent the Las Grand Prix Vegas takes place for certification.
before the opening race.
.
He was eventually cleared of all wrongdoing on both accounts, but that did not endear him to Hamilton.
Before the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year, the Mercedes driver was asked if the FIA ​​president still supported him.
He replied: “He never did.
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