FIA Overshadows Norris's Title Moment with Political Stage and Overfamiliar Gesture
Lando Norris's World Champion trophy ceremony at the FIA Gala in Uzbekistan became controversial as the nation's president presented the award, drawing criticism for politicizing the event. Further controversy arose when FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem repeatedly ruffled Norris's hair on stage, an act seen as unprofessional and overshadowing the driver's moment.
Lando Norris's official coronation as Formula 1 World Champion at the FIA Prize Giving Gala was marred by controversies that blurred the lines between sport and politics, and highlighted issues of personal boundaries. The decision to hold the event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and have the country's president present the trophy, coupled with an overly familiar physical gesture from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, turned a moment of pure sporting celebration into a platform for other agendas.
Why it matters:
The sanctity of a driver's crowning achievement is a cornerstone of sport. When the ceremony becomes a vehicle for political messaging or allows for unprofessional conduct from officials, it undermines the athlete's moment and risks the integrity of the institution itself. These incidents reflect broader concerns about the FIA's governance and its prioritization of commercial and political partnerships over the core sporting spectacle.
The details:
- Political Stagecraft: The 2025 gala was held in Tashkent, following the 2024 event in Rwanda. Critics argue this continues a trend of selecting host nations with authoritarian governments, using the prestige of the F1 world championship as a form of "sportswashing" to bolster their international image.
- Trophy Handover: The act of presenting the championship trophy to Lando Norris was performed by Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This move explicitly inserted a head of state into what is traditionally a sporting ritual, framing the champion's achievement within a political context.
- Boundary Issues: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, recently re-elected unopposed, was captured on video repeatedly ruffling Norris's hair during the champion's stage appearance. The gesture, which also occurred at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, was widely perceived as patronizing, overfamiliar, and an attempt to insert himself into the spotlight of Norris's achievement.
The big picture:
Formula 1 has long navigated a complex relationship with geopolitics and host nations. However, the Prize Giving Gala represents the formal, institutional conclusion of the sporting year. Using this specific event—centered on the champion—for diplomatic outreach sets a concerning precedent. Combined with the president's conduct, it points to a leadership style at the FIA that critics say lacks the decorum expected for the sport's highest offices. The incidents have sparked calls for the FIA to re-establish clear boundaries, ensuring future ceremonies focus solely on honoring sporting excellence without external interference or unprofessional behavior.
What's next:
The backlash from fans and media will likely pressure the FIA to be more circumspect in selecting future gala hosts and to reinforce protocols for official conduct. For Norris and McLaren, the on-track triumph remains untarnished, but the off-track narrative now includes an awkward footnote to his first title celebration. The focus will quickly return to the 2026 season, but these events will fuel ongoing debates about the FIA's direction and its relationship with the commercial rights holder, Formula 1 Management.