Lewis Hamilton has been fined for missing the FIA Awards Gala in December, however money will be used to support a student from a disadvantaged background.

Hamilton missed the Awards ceremony which took place just days after the controversial seassn finale in Abu Dhabi, with Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff also skipping the event.

Talking to reporters in Bahrain, the seven-time champion confirmed that he would be fined for his actions but that the money would be put to good use.

"There will be some sort of fine regarding the gala but we've worked together to make sure the money will be put towards youth from under-privileged backgrounds getting into motorsport," said the Briton.

In response, the FIA issued a brief statement revealing that the Mercedes driver had met with Mohammed Ben Sulayem to discuss a number of issues, including diversity and inclusion in motorsport as well as the fine.

"In the spirit of commitment to building a more diverse sport in the future, the FIA president gave his full support to Hamilton's decision to make a donation of €50,000 that will be used to support a student from a disadvantaged background in achieving an educational qualification in motorsport," read the statement.

"During the meeting, the circumstances that led to Hamilton's absence from the 2021 FIA prize giving ceremony were also discussed," the statement continued. "Hamilton acknowledged the importance of celebrating the year's achievements with the prize winners from across motorsport and the FIA president reminded Hamilton of his obligation of sportsmanship, particularly in view of his status in motorsport.

"Hamilton shared some of his experiences and findings from the report of the Hamilton Commission, authored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and published last year. One of the key factors identified upon which commitment to Diversity and Inclusion relies is the implementation of initiatives that are accessible to underrepresented groups.

"The FIA President noted the important foundational work done by the FIA in recent years with projects such as FIA Girls on Track, and commended the commitment shown by Hamilton in projects such as Mission 44 and Ignite.

"Both the FIA President and Hamilton look forward to further positive steps in this area in 2022 and beyond, with Diversity and Inclusion being made a key priority for the Federation."

Check out our Saturday gallery from Bahrain, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 21/03/2022 2:20

"@ Ed. thanks for the explanation. I would've thought that it would be written 'a former, six/seven whoever WC'. In regards to the situation now I thought that it would be written, regards Verstappen as, 'current WC' not simply WC. for unambiguous clarity.........obviously I was wrong.

"

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2. Posted by Editor, 20/03/2022 8:33

"@ Kenji

In Formula One there is no such thing as a former world champion or "ex" world champion.

Each season's world championship title is separate it is not an ongoing thing, the 2021 title winner, unlike, say, boxing, is not 'defending' his title in 2022 for it remains his title ever more.

Therefore one refers to Michael Schumacher as a seven-time world champion, Fernando Alonso as a two-time world champion and so on."

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3. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 20/03/2022 2:22

"On the subject of inclusiveness, I note that Sky have ticked a number of boxes."

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4. Posted by kenji, 20/03/2022 1:05

"@Ed. Hahaha.....shouldn't I be the one asking that question ? Why is it necessary to introduce and push woke discriminatory policies at every opportunity to enhance one person's standing in particular? The tenor of the post was seen, by me, to be advancing the credit of one person and it becomes tiresome after a while, [years in fact]. All it needed was to report that Hamilton was fined 50K euros for his breach of the rules and then leave it at that. While we're discussing this could you please explain for me why virtually every report about Hamilton is preceded by the words 'seven times world champion'? Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't it read 'ex world champion' if we are dealing with the present moment? I am buoyed by the fact that maybe, just maybe Ferrari or Red Bull [ again ] will do something special and win the titles this year. Now that would be a refreshing and hopefully we'd see more emphasis on some of the other great drivers who line up on the grid week after week.

@JCR... Yes, of course the standard tax issues that would've been a given. "

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5. Posted by jcr, 19/03/2022 11:18

"@Kenji
At least something was seen to appen re a reprimand.
BUT, My take would be totally different.
Sir Hammis donating the money to a charity is Tax Deductable.
50K. Not even his Bus Fare home !!

On a different topic.
At the moment there is a picture circulating in various motorsport media of the F1 drivers protest against the Russian war.
2 Drivers are missing. Marzipan (for obvious reasons) and the driver who Bin Sulayam says has a responsibility to the sport
It obviously did,nt register."

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6. Posted by Editor, 19/03/2022 9:50

"@ Kenji

Don't you ever give up?"

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7. Posted by kenji, 19/03/2022 9:36

"Shouldn't that read that, Hamilton was fined 50K euros for a breach of the rules, and the FIA decided to donate those funds to a charity of their choice?"

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Hamilton donates FIA Awards fine

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