[Saba Sports News] After the Miami Grand Prix, an unaired footage sparked controversy: Lewis Hamilton made a middle-finger gesture towards Alpine driver Franco Colapinto during the race, yet the FIA chose not to launch any investigation into the incident. The decision has triggered widespread public debate, and Daniil Kvyat, Max Verstappen’s teammate in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, has openly slammed the FIA for double standards.
The incident took place on the opening lap of the Miami Grand Prix. Hamilton’s car was damaged following a collision with Colapinto. Later, when he overtook Colapinto on track, the onboard camera captured him briefly letting go of the steering wheel and giving Colapinto the middle finger. Though the footage was not broadcast live, it quickly spread throughout the paddock after being leaked online.
Last year, during the WEC Bahrain round, Daniil Kvyat was penalized for making a middle-finger gesture towards his rival Augusto Farfus. Race stewards ruled his conduct rude, disrespectful and inappropriate for motorsport, and handed him a fine of 5,000 euros. Seeing Hamilton escape without any punishment, Kvyat publicly criticized the FIA on social media, calling the ruling disappointing.
In my opinion, over the past two years, the FIA has faced repeated doubts over its inconsistent penalty standards for drivers’ remarks and on-track behaviour. Debates over the fairness of rule enforcement have never ceased, which has seriously damaged the FIA’s credibility.