Hamilton emphasizes the significance of F1 demonstrating its values

Lewis Hamilton stated that Formula One was at a crossroads and needed to demonstrate its values in the midst of off-track controversies involving prominent paddock figures and the governing body.

Red Bull team manager Christian Horner has been in the spotlight following a lengthy investigation into misconduct allegations made by a female employee, which revealed clear divisions behind the scenes.

A whistleblower has accused Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, of attempting to interfere with a race and allegedly seeking to deny certification of the Las Vegas street circuit, which debuted last November.

"As someone who loves the sport, it's definitely disappointing to see what's going on right now," the seven times world champion told reporters at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

"It doesn't look good from the outside world, the outside looking in. I think it's a really, really important time for the sport to really show and stick to its values, holding ourselves accountable for our actions."

"And it's a really pivotal moment I think for the sport, in terms of what we project to the world and how it's handled. And it's not been handled very well to this point."

"I hope it's not a year that continues to go on with this. But it highlights some of the issues we also have within the sport."

Hamilton also shared his personal experience of being on a team whose leader's position was being challenged.

"I remember kind of when we were losing (McLaren boss) Ron (Dennis), for example, and the things that Ron was going through, and the steps that we had to take, it affected all of us," he said.

"A leader is super-important because they set the tone, they make sure the team sticks to the core values of what the sport is about, and integrity."

SportsLigue