^{Lewis Hamilton’s prize is said to have been taken home from the FIA prize giving gala by a young journalist.}

Lewis Hamilton left his prize for coming in third place in the 2023 Formula 1 standings at the end-of-season prize-giving gala last Friday, sending a harsh message to the FIA.

Many wondered if Hamilton would even go to the gala in Baku, Azerbaijan, after the gala was canceled in 2021 due to the contentious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver was incensed by the FIA’s statement last Tuesday, which cast doubt on Susie Wolff’s integrity, so it was further unclear if he would go.

Without alerting F1 or Mercedes, the governing body made its announcement and declared that it would be looking into reports that the managing director of the F1 Academy had been providing her husband, Toto Wolff, with “confidential” information.

Remarkably, the claim was made without concrete evidence, instead relying on conjecture in the media and a single report.

At the gala, Hamilton referred to Susie as the “most incredible female leader we have ever had.” F1 and Mercedes both issued statements refuting the accusations and reiterating their support for Susie.

Following this, all nine of the remaining Formula One teams issued statements in which they reaffirmed their support for the managing director of the F1 Academy and insisted that no complaints regarding her had ever been made to the FIA.

The governing body embarrassingly issued a second statement in which they declared that there would be no investigation.

Nevertheless, the FIA has already caused more harm than good, and Mercedes is thinking about going to court over this.

Having had his share of run-ins with the FIA over the years, Hamilton wasn’t afraid to take a stern stand at the gala, stating that “certain individuals” at the FIA are attempting to bring back Formula One.

It’s unclear if Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, was the target of this.

Hamilton left his award at the gala as a gesture of support for Susie; according to social media reports, a young journalist appeared to pick it up and take it home.

The seven-time world champion is furious with the FIA for what they did to Susie, calling their pathetic attempt at an apology “unacceptable.”

“This week has been difficult and disheartening,” Hamilton remarked at the gala, as The Express noted.

It is disheartening to observe that the governing body has attempted to cast doubt on the character of Susie Wolff, one of the most amazing female leaders in our sport’s history, without any investigation or supporting documentation, only apologizing at the end. It is not acceptable.

The fight to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry is never-ending. Every time we attempt to advance, it appears that some members of the FIA leadership are attempting to hold us back. This needs to change.