close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Hamilton in Bakoe

Lewis Hamilton issues call on FIA president who has "big shoes to fill"

Hamilton in Bakoe — Photo: © LAT Images

Lewis Hamilton issues call on FIA president who has "big shoes to fill"

Mohammed Ben Sulayem was criticised ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has urged for time to be given to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to settle into his role.

Ben Sulayem took over the post at F1's governing body from Jean Todt in December and has overseen an organisational restructure of the FIA in the wake of last year's controversial season-ender in Abu Dhabi.

But there have been numerous controversies already throughout his reign, with a clampdown on jewellery taken as Hamilton being personally targeted.

Recent comments from Ben Sulayem also seemed to undermine both the Mercedes driver and Sebastian Vettel's societal efforts before he issued a clarification via social media.

Ben Sulayem was also involved in the long meeting on the Friday night of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a nearby terrorist attack threatened the race weekend altogether.

Asked for his assessment on the FIA's role so far this year and, in particular, Ben Sulayem's integration as president, Hamilton replied: "We have to have confidence that they will continue to make progress.

"It's about collaboration, so I generally think that a good job has been done so far.

"I think it will get better. We are trying to work with the FIA and for Mohammed, it's a huge role, big shoes to fill. We just need to give him time.

"There's a lot that he wants to do, and lots of things that he wants to change and I believe, from what he's told us, that he will do those."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

EXCLUSIVE: Max Verstappen insider tells honest truth about F1 retirement

EXCLUSIVE: Max Verstappen insider tells honest truth about F1 retirement

  • 50 minutes ago
F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision

F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision

  • 1 hour ago
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star

  • 2 hours ago
Martin Brundle claims driver safety is 'fourth priority' for FIA

Martin Brundle claims driver safety is 'fourth priority' for FIA

  • 3 hours ago
Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd

Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd

  • Today 09:47
Why Lewis Hamilton's 2026 form is not as good as it seems

Why Lewis Hamilton's 2026 form is not as good as it seems

  • Today 08:56

Just in

13:54
EXCLUSIVE: Max Verstappen insider tells honest truth about F1 retirement
12:53
F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision
11:54
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star
10:59
Martin Brundle claims driver safety is 'fourth priority' for FIA
09:47
Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision F1 History

F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision

1 hour ago
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star F1 News & Gossip

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star

2 hours ago
Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd F1 News & Gossip

Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd

Today 09:47
F1 'doesn't need' Max Verstappen - legend claps back Max Verstappen

F1 'doesn't need' Max Verstappen - legend claps back

Yesterday 20:58
Ontdek het op Google Play
x