Hamilton to breach protocol by missing FIA prize-giving

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that neither he nor Lewis Hamilton will attend the FIA prize-giving ceremony in Paris on Thursday evening.

After Mercedes elected not to pursue its appeal against the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday morning, Wolff confirmed both he and seven-time champion Hamilton will miss the evening's FIA gala.

Instead, the team will be represented by James Allison with the chief technical officer to collect the constructors' trophy.

Hamilton's absence is a breach of article 6.6 in the F1 sporting regulations, with the top three in the drivers' required to attend.

Making clear the feeling of disappointment and frustration remained very raw within the team, Wolff stated: "No, both of us won't be there and I won't be there because of my loyalty to Lewis and because of my own personal integrity.

"But we will be represented as a team by James Allison who will be taking the trophy on behalf of all the people in Brackley and Brixworth who should celebrate our eighth consecutive world championship title, who deserve to celebrate it because it is a fantastic achievement that we are all very proud of.

"In a way, I am trying to compartmentalise the anger over the drivers' championship, and on the other side the pride and the joy of having achieved something unprecedented, and that needs to be celebrated."

Given the events of the past few days and the high levels of emotion involved, it is unclear if the FIA would seek to impose sanctions over the snub.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

'That happens' - Max Verstappen getting used to life as a new parent

• 2 hours ago

Racing driver goes on trial for alleged rape of nurse at Schumacher family mansion

• 3 hours ago

Christian Horner takes surprise new job after Red Bull F1 exit

• Yesterday 20:57

'I have never seen Ferrari do this' - Charles Leclerc reveals all

• Yesterday 19:57

Aston Martin set for radical new look at Monaco Grand Prix

• Yesterday 18:57

FIA announce more F1 rule changes for next year

• Yesterday 17:42