Hamilton reminded of "obligation of sportsmanship" after €50,000 FIA fine

Sam Hall
Friday 18 March 2022 15:21 - Updated: 15:27

The FIA has confirmed Lewis Hamilton has been hit with a €50,000 fine for his non-attendance of the 2021 end-of-year gala with the seven-time champion also reminded of his "obligation of sportsmanship".

Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff failed to attend the annual FIA prize-giving ceremony in December after the events of the Abu Dhabi championship left the pair "disillusioned" with F1.

Although Wolff's attendance was not mandatory, Hamilton's presence as one of the top three drivers in the standings was required by the sporting regulations.

In a statement confirming the fine that Hamilton had earlier eluded to on Friday, the FIA detailed the €50,000 "donation", an equivalent to nine hours of the Mercedes driver's earnings, would be used to "support a student from a disadvantaged background".

"In the spirit of commitment to building a more diverse sport in the future, the FIA President [Mohammed Ben Sulayem] gave his full support to Hamilton’s decision to make a donation of €50,000 that will be used to support a student from a disadvantaged background in achieving an educational qualification in motorsport.

"The FIA and Hamilton will work together with an independent panel and throughout this process.

"Both the FIA President and Hamilton look forward to further positive steps in this area in 2022 and beyond, with Diversity and Inclusion being made a key priority for the Federation.

"During the meeting, the circumstances that led to Hamilton’s absence from the 2021 FIA Prize Giving Ceremony were also discussed. Hamilton acknowledged the importance of celebrating the year’s achievements with the prize-winners from across motorsport and the FIA President reminded Hamilton of his obligation of sportsmanship, particularly in view of his status in motorsport."

FIA President Mohammed @Ben_Sulayem meets with Sir @LewisHamilton to discuss Diversity and Inclusion in motor sport pic.twitter.com/0OCi8whz8v

— FIA (@fia) March 18, 2022