Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is reportedly poised to assume a formal position within the FIA. This follows his work in an advisory capacity for the past 18 months, focusing on pivotal FIA driver development initiatives.
Anthony Hamilton’s Role in FIA’s Young Driver Program
According to a report in The Times, Hamilton Snr. has been instrumental in the FIA’s Young Driver Development Pathway (YDDP). This program is slated for official announcement at the upcoming FIA Conference in Macau. Hamilton will co-present the initiative alongside current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The report highlights that Hamilton Snr. is “keen to contribute” to grassroots driver development and to shield young prospects from potentially exploitative managers and agents. His experience will be vital to nurturing the next generation of racing talent through structured driver development programs.
Diverging Views on FIA Leadership
Hamilton Snr’s Support for Ben Sulayem
While Hamilton Snr. has backed Ben Sulayem in his re-election campaign later this year, his son, Lewis Hamilton, has expressed less confidence in the Emirati’s leadership of the FIA.
Lewis Hamilton’s Criticism
The seven-time world champion publicly challenged Ben Sulayem after the latter’s comparison of swearing F1 drivers to “rappers” last season. The FIA president has overseen a controversial crackdown on driver language, although the severity of penalties has been reduced before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Hamilton Jr.’s Response to Ben Sulayem’s Comments
“With what he’s saying, I don’t like how he’s expressed it, saying that rappers is very stereotypical,” Hamilton Jr. remarked regarding Ben Sulayem’s contentious interview.
“You think about most rappers are Black. That really kind points it towards, when it says we’re not like them. So I think those are the wrong choice of words, there’s a racial element there. But as I said, I agree with the fact that I think [it needs] cleaning up a little bit.”
Ben Sulayem’s Re-election Challenge
Carlos Sainz Snr Enters the Race
Hamilton Snr’s support may not guarantee Ben Sulayem a second term. He faces competition from another well-known racing father, Carlos Sainz Snr.
Sainz Snr’s Potential Presidential Bid
The two-time World Rally champion, father of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr., conveyed his openness to a presidential bid prior to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The respected Spaniard reportedly has backing from several key figures within the paddock and possesses considerable motorsport experience to support his ambitions, posing a significant challenge to the current FIA leadership. This creates a competitive landscape for the upcoming vote concerning FIA leadership.