Hamilton pays ’fine’ to chosen cause
As bin Sulayem reminded Hamilton of his obligation of sportsmanship
Lewis Hamilton will pay a EUR 50,000 fine for snubbing last year’s FIA awards gala after losing the 2021 title to Max Verstappen in controversial circumstances.
"There will be some sort of fine," the seven time world champion confirmed in Bahrain.
However, Hamilton met with new FIA president Muhammed bin Sulayem on the sidelines of the 2022 season opener where it was decided that the money would actually be donated.
"We’ve worked together to make sure the money will be put towards youth from underprivileged backgrounds getting into motorsports engineering," said the Mercedes driver.
In a statement, the FIA confirmed that Hamilton had "acknowledged the importance" of attending the official gala, while bin Sulayem "reminded Hamilton of his obligation of sportsmanship".
The news coincides with the anticipated release of the FIA’s full report into the circumstances of the decisive moments of the ultra-intense 2021 title battle in Abu Dhabi.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso says he won’t be reading it.
"It’s done, it’s over already and there are many race direction decisions we can understand and many we cannot understand sometimes," said the Spaniard.
"We always move on and this time is no different."
FIA
F1 could expand points system to P20
F1 governing body threatens to leave France
F1 accusers lack ’guts’ to confront FIA president
Opinions start to split over F1 points proposal
More on FIA
Mercedes F1
Wolff sides with Marko, hits back at Red Bull CEO Mintzlaff
Even Newey couldn’t solve Mercedes slump - Wolff
Wolff denies Antonelli will make F1 debut at Imola
Mercedes only ’partially’ a top F1 team now
Hopeful rookie on standby for two F1 teams
More on Mercedes F1