In a dramatic twist that has shocked the Formula 1 world, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton now finds himself at the center of an FIA investigation—  not for his on-track performance, but for his personal car  . According to controversial allegations from Red Bull Racing, Hamilton’s rare   Ferrari LaFerrari  may have breached FIA regulations in a way that could have far-reaching consequences.

Red Bull’s surprising accusation

The controversy erupted after Red Bull filed a formal complaint against Hamilton, claiming that his privately owned Ferrari LaFerrari could be part of a   wider breach of the FIA’s strict compliance rules  . While it is not uncommon for F1 drivers to own hypercars from rival manufacturers, Red Bull’s argument suggests that Hamilton’s LaFerrari   could have been modified in a way that breaches rules on driver conduct and affiliations  .

According to sources close to the investigation, Red Bull has expressed concern about possible   undisclosed technical advantages or collaborations   between Hamilton and Ferrari. This accusation has led fans and experts to question whether the complaint constitutes a legitimate regulatory concern or simply a strategy by Red Bull to destabilize its long-time rival.

Why is the FIA ​​investigating a road car?

At first glance, it seems odd that   a driver’s personal choice of vehicle  would be subject to FIA scrutiny. However, the governing body has strict rules regarding conflicts of interest, undeclared sponsorships, and unauthorized technology transfers between teams. If Hamilton’s LaFerrari has undergone   certain performance modifications  , particularly those involving advanced aerodynamics or hybrid power units, the FIA ​​could consider this a breach of rules designed to maintain fairness in the sport.

A major area of ​​concern is whether Hamilton had access to Ferrari’s latest hybrid technology through his LaFerrari. With Formula 1 teams constantly developing cutting-edge energy recovery systems (ERS) and hybrid powertrains, any unauthorized   exposure to competitor technology  , even in a personal capacity, could be considered a   potential breach of competitive integrity  .

Hamilton’s response: A targeted attack?

Unsurprisingly, Hamilton has dismissed the allegations as   “absolutely ridiculous  ,” suggesting that Red Bull’s complaint is nothing more than an attempt to distract him.

“Are we seriously investigating   what cars I have in my garage?  ” Hamilton asked when asked about the controversy. “This is just another example of the politics of this sport. My LaFerrari is a production car. There’s nothing illegal about it.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also criticized Red Bull’s decision, calling it   a desperate attempt to stir up controversy   amid an already intense championship battle. “It’s ridiculous,” Wolff said. “If Red Bull is so concerned about Ferrari’s technology, maybe they should focus on their own performance instead of Hamilton’s car collection.”

Red Bull’s motive: Genuine concern or mind games?

Red Bull’s complaint has fueled widespread speculation about its true intentions. Some believe the team is simply   trying to divert attention from Hamilton  , especially as he remains a key contender in the title fight. Others suggest Red Bull may be   laying the groundwork for a wider protest against Ferrari  , potentially signaling   suspicions about the Italian team’s current F1 engine  .

This isn’t the first time Red Bull has used complaints and protests harshly. Over the years, the team has frequently challenged rival teams over   technical violations, unclear rule interpretations, and even off-track issues  . While some of these challenges have resulted in significant rule changes, others have been dismissed as mere tactical distractions.

Could this affect Hamilton’s future in F1?

While the FIA’s investigation is still in its early stages, the case raises larger questions about Hamilton’s future. With his contract with Mercedes set to expire and rumors linking him to   a possible move to Ferrari  , some believe Red Bull’s complaint could be an attempt to complicate a future deal.

Hamilton has long expressed his admiration for Ferrari, and if he were to leave Mercedes, signing for the Scuderia would be a historic step. However,   any formal link or alleged conflict of interest with Ferrari  , especially one that includes access to hybrid technology, could generate even more controversy.

If the FIA ​​detects any   breaches of its rules of conduct or confidentiality  , Hamilton could face   sanctions ranging from fines to potential restrictions on future manufacturer affiliations  . While such an investigation is highly unlikely to affect his current racing season,   the mere prospect of an FIA investigation could create unnecessary pressure  .

What happens next?

The FIA ​​is expected to conduct a thorough review of Red Bull’s complaint, which could include   inspecting Hamilton’s LaFerrari for unauthorized modifications  . While the likelihood of a major penalty remains low, the controversy highlights the growing intensity of   off-track disputes between F1’s top teams  .

With the championship fight already boiling on the track, this latest development adds another layer of drama to a sport that thrives on   rivalry, controversy, and mind games  . Whether Red Bull’s complaint is a stroke of genius or a desperate gamble remains to be seen, but one thing is certain:   the political war in Formula 1 is far from over  .