F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton hits out as FIA announce late demotion at C….readmore
In the latest update from the 2025 Formula 1 season, the FIA has confirmed a controversial late demotion during the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race in Shanghai, which affected Lewis Hamilton, who had initially crossed the line in first place.
Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, had claimed victory in the sprint race, which took place on the Saturday before the main Grand Prix event. However, the joy of securing the top spot was short-lived. In a surprising move, the FIA issued a late decision to demote Hamilton, stripping him of his victory. The reason for this late penalty was related to a technical infringement, which the governing body deemed significant enough to alter the race results.
The FIA’s announcement sparked immediate backlash from Hamilton, who expressed his frustration over the timing and severity of the decision. The British driver was vocal in his criticism, questioning the fairness of the penalty and the process behind it. He argued that such decisions should be communicated more promptly to avoid confusion and ensure transparency. Hamilton’s remarks reflect a growing sense of dissatisfaction among some drivers over the FIA’s handling of race-related penalties and regulations in recent seasons.
The demotion caused a significant stir in the paddock, with many questioning the consistency of the FIA’s rulings and the impact of such decisions on the championship standings. Hamilton’s demotion meant that the victory was handed to another driver, reshuffling the results of the sprint race. The incident also raised concerns about the potential for similar issues to arise in future races, particularly when it comes to the clarity of race regulations and the timeliness of rulings.
While the FIA’s decision is final, the incident has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a thrilling weekend of racing in Shanghai. Hamilton’s reaction to the demotion highlights the ongoing tension between the drivers and the governing body, with the former world champion making it clear that he feels such late penalties undermine the spirit of fair competition in Formula 1.
As the season progresses, this event will likely fuel further debate about the FIA’s role in shaping the sport’s competitive landscape and its approach to enforcing race regulations. For now, the late demotion remains a point of contention, with Hamilton’s fans and fellow drivers continuing to scrutinize the FIA’s actions.
