The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5 in New York, was overshadowed by a shocking, headline-grabbing incident. According to eyewitnesses, Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen allegedly pushed rival Lewis Hamilton down a flight of stairs shortly after the end of the prestigious event. Witnesses claim that Hamilton “was not given enough space” to pass safely, leading to a fall that fortunately did not cause any serious injuries. The hashtag #J4F (Just for Fun) went viral on social media, but the severity of the incident has raised questions about the rivalry between the two drivers.

The Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” attracted global stars, including Hamilton, who made a striking appearance as co-chair in an ivory Wales Bonner suit. Verstappen, not usually known for his presence at fashion events, surprised everyone by turning up. According to sources, he was in New York after the Miami Grand Prix, where he was penalized for a controversial overtaking move. The incident appears to have reignited tensions between him and Hamilton, which date back to their intense title fight in 2021.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene at the exit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hamilton, still in his dress uniform, was walking down the stairs when Verstappen, dressed in a simple black hoodie, suddenly passed him. One witness told The Athletic: “It looked like Max deliberately walked close to Lewis, not giving him any space. Lewis lost his balance and stumbled down a few steps.” Although Hamilton quickly got up and did not require medical attention, those present were in shock. Another witness, anonymously on X, wrote: “Max really didn’t give him an inch of space, just like on track. This was not an accident. #J4F.”

The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton is legendary. In 2021, they literally and figuratively clashed during the Italian Grand Prix, with Verstappen’s car ending up on top of Hamilton’s cockpit. Verstappen was given a three-place grid penalty at the time, but Hamilton later downplayed the incident. More recent clashes, such as at Hungary 2024, where they clashed again, show that the tensions have not gone away. Hamilton then called on Verstappen to “act like a champion”, while Verstappen dismissed his critics with a tirade of abuse.

Reactions on social media were mixed. Some fans supported Verstappen, with comments such as: “Lewis should have swerved, like on the track!” Others condemned the behaviour: “This has gone too far, Max should be ashamed.” Red Bull Racing declined to comment, but a Ferrari spokesman said: “Lewis is unharmed and is focused on the upcoming race in Imola.” The FIA, which earlier this year punished McLaren for tyre temperature manipulation after evidence from Red Bull, has not yet commented on possible disciplinary action.

The incident raises broader questions about sportsmanship and personal feuds in Formula 1. Verstappen, who will struggle with a less dominant car in 2025, has at times appeared to direct his frustrations at Hamilton. His comments after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he was penalized for overtaking Oscar Piastri, already indicated a tense attitude. “People can’t handle the full truth,” he said at the time, referring to the social media reaction.

Hamilton, who had a disappointing start to life at Ferrari with just 31 points from five races, used the Met Gala to showcase his passion for fashion and diversity. In Vogue he stressed the importance of representing black culture: “This event sends a powerful message that we must continue to celebrate diversity.” His elegant appearance was a sharp contrast to the incident, reinforcing his image as a stylish leader.

The Formula 1 community is now looking forward to Imola, where the rivalry will undoubtedly continue. Experts such as Jeroen Bleekemolen are predicting a renewed “Hamilton-Verstappen battle” in 2025, given Ferrari’s progress and Verstappen’s determination to defend his title. Bleekemolen told RacingNews365: “They have mutual respect, but in a hard title fight it could escalate again.”

For now, the Met Gala incident remains a blemish on an otherwise glamorous evening. Whether Verstappen acted deliberately remains speculation, but the parallels with his aggressive driving style are undeniable. As one fan wrote on X: “Max races everywhere, even on the red carpet.” The Formula 1 world is holding its breath for the next chapter in this epic rivalry.