Lewis Hamilton, well-known for his success at the Russian Grand Prix, experienced an uncomfortable incident on the podium with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2015. During his second consecutive win at Sochi, an awkward champagne moment with Putin quickly became a topic of international conversation.
An Unexpected Encounter During the 2015 Russian Grand Prix Celebration
In 2015, after Hamilton’s triumphant finish at the Russian Grand Prix, Vladimir Putin joined the podium ceremony to present the trophies. As champagne bottles were popped open to celebrate the victory, Putin was caught unexpectedly by some of the sparkling wine spray. It was unclear whether Hamilton or someone else was responsible for this, but the incident was a rare and uneasy moment during the post-race festivities.
The 2016 Follow-Up and a Surreal Exchange
The following year, Hamilton returned to the Sochi podium after finishing second to his teammate Nico Rosberg. In the cooldown room after the race, Putin approached Hamilton. Speaking through a translator, Putin remarked,
“I am accustomed to awarding you something each year. Year, after year…”
Hamilton, referencing the previous year’s champagne episode, responded,
“This year I won’t spray you with champagne. Last time it wasn’t me. It was someone else!”
Putin replied with a calm but pointed comment:
“You are doing well — with champagne and with the race.”
The Broader Context and Lasting Impact of the Incident
This strange interaction highlighted the tension between the outspoken driver and the controversial leader. Hamilton, known for his activism on human rights and racial justice, has not publicly addressed the moment beyond that exchange. Since then, Russia’s presence in Formula 1 has been removed, cutting all official ties to the sport.
The 2015 podium event remains one of the most unusual and discomforting in recent Formula 1 history, marking a blend of sporting achievement and geopolitical unease. Despite Hamilton’s repeated successes in Sochi, this awkward encounter with Putin continues to stand out.
