Lewis Hamilton Demands Transparency and Accountability from FIA over Controversial Decisions

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has issued a pointed demand for greater “transparency and accountability” from the FIA, warning that opaque decision-making behind closed doors can “steer careers and decide championships.” Speaking ahead of this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix, the 40-year-old Ferrari driver revisited his controversial 10-second penalty in Mexico City last month—the only driver punished among several who cut the track—highlighting what he called a persistent lack of clarity in stewarding calls.

Hamilton stressed that the secrecy surrounding FIA rulings undermines trust in the sport. “Their decisions can ultimately steer careers and decide a championship, as you’ve seen in the past,” he told reporters on Thursday, adding that the issue “definitely needs to be tackled” urgently. The Briton’s frustration comes after a roller-coaster debut season at Ferrari that has seen him endure a record 20-race podium drought—the longest in Maranello’s history—and trail teammate Charles Leclerc by 64 points in the drivers’ standings.

Amid swirling speculation that Ferrari could replace him with 20-year-old protégé Oliver Bearman as early as 2026, Hamilton firmly shut down the rumours. “I have a pretty long contract,” he said, reminding the media that contract talks typically begin the year before expiry. Bearman himself dismissed the idea as “unrealistic” after his impressive fourth-place finish in Mexico with Haas.

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Hamilton also revealed he has been pushing for internal changes at Ferrari, including working-practice reforms, following the recent exit of his former Mercedes performance engineer Riccardo Adami. Team principal Fred Vasseur’s position has come under scrutiny, but Hamilton insisted his focus remains on turning around a disappointing 2025 campaign that has yielded just 146 points and no podiums—his worst full season ever.

As the F1 circus descends on Interlagos for the final sprint weekend of the year, Hamilton’s call for FIA reform adds another layer of intrigue to a season already defined by controversy and transition. With three rounds left, the Briton is determined to end his podium drought and silence doubters before embarking on what he insists will be a multi-year project at the Scuderia.

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