F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton hits out as FIA announce late de…..read more
In a dramatic twist at the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race in Shanghai, Lewis Hamilton found himself at the center of controversy after the FIA issued a late demotion ruling that marred what could have been a crucial victory for the seven-time world champion. Hamilton had crossed the finish line first in an intense sprint race, showcasing his experience and racecraft as he fought off strong competition. However, just as celebrations seemed imminent for the Mercedes driver, the FIA stepped in with a ruling that reshuffled the results.
The unexpected decision sparked frustration from Hamilton, who didn’t shy away from voicing his displeasure with how the situation was handled. The British driver expressed his disappointment over the late nature of the FIA’s ruling, emphasizing that such calls can heavily affect the momentum and morale of drivers and teams alike. “It’s incredibly disheartening to cross the line first and then have it taken away like that,” Hamilton reportedly said, making it clear that he felt robbed of a deserving win.
The late demotion by the FIA came after a review of a contentious incident during the race. Though the specifics of the ruling were not immediately disclosed, insiders suggest that it may have been linked to a breach of track limits or an infringement during a key overtaking maneuver. Whatever the cause, the decision reshuffled the provisional sprint results, dropping Hamilton down the order and altering the complexion of the weekend’s points tally.
This incident has reignited ongoing debates within the paddock regarding the consistency and timing of FIA rulings. Several drivers and teams have long criticized how post-race penalties and decisions can overshadow on-track achievements and leave fans with more questions than answers. Hamilton was particularly vocal about how this late call could have ripple effects heading into the main race on Sunday, potentially shifting strategic approaches and psychological states.
Fans, too, were left divided. While some backed the FIA’s stance, insisting that regulations need to be upheld regardless of timing, others echoed Hamilton’s frustration, arguing that decisions made so late risk undermining the spectacle of the sport.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff also weighed in, urging the FIA to review its processes to ensure fairer and more transparent decision-making in the future. He emphasized that while regulations are vital, the timing of such rulings should not disrupt the sporting integrity of the event.
As Formula 1 heads deeper into the 2025 season, the Chinese Grand Prix sprint controversy will likely fuel further discussions about how the FIA governs racing incidents and post-race reviews. For Hamilton, this episode adds to a growing list of grievances with race officiating as he pushes for an eighth world title.
