In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Ferrari’s seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has broken his silence on the ongoing controversies surrounding NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:24 AM +07, Hamilton took to social media to deliver a scathing critique, declaring, “What happened to Bubba Wallace is a crime against the heart of NASCAR.” The statement, paired with a 13-word warning—”NASCAR must address injustice now, or lose its soul to history’s judgment”—has ignited a global debate, thrusting the American stock car racing series into the international spotlight.
Hamilton’s comments come amid a turbulent period for Wallace, the only full-time Black driver in NASCAR’s Cup Series, who has faced a series of challenges both on and off the track. The British driver, known for his advocacy against racism and inequality in motorsport, referenced the 2020 noose incident at Talladega Superspeedway, where a rope fashioned into a noose was found in Wallace’s garage stall. Although an FBI investigation concluded it was not a hate crime, the episode left a lasting impact on Wallace and fueled perceptions of racial bias within NASCAR. Hamilton’s remarks suggest he views this as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment, a stance that has resonated with fans and critics alike.
The 13-word warning has proven particularly explosive, calling for immediate action from NASCAR’s leadership to address what Hamilton perceives as systemic issues. His words have sparked a polarized reaction: supporters hail him as a voice for justice, while detractors accuse him of overstepping into a sport he doesn’t compete in. Social media platforms have been ablaze with hashtags like #JusticeForBubba and #HamiltonSpeaksOut, with fans debating the validity of his claims. Some point to Wallace’s recent penalties—such as the $50,000 fine for retaliatory contact with Alex Bowman in July 2024—as evidence of inconsistent enforcement, while others argue Hamilton’s intervention is unwarranted given his F1 focus.
NASCAR’s executive board, led by CEO Jim France, has been forced into a rapid response. Sources indicate that an emergency meeting was convened on Thursday morning to assess the situation, with France expected to issue a statement later today. The timing is critical, as Wallace’s team, 23XI Racing, continues its antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging monopolistic practices that disadvantage smaller teams. Hamilton’s endorsement of Wallace’s struggles has added international pressure, potentially influencing the league’s legal and public relations strategy.
Wallace himself has yet to comment directly on Hamilton’s statement, but his past interactions with the F1 star— including mutual support during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement—suggest a shared perspective. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season has already made headlines, but this unexpected foray into NASCAR affairs has amplified his global influence. Whether his warning will lead to tangible change within NASCAR remains uncertain, but it has undeniably shifted the narrative, forcing the sport to confront its internal challenges under a harsh international glare. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Lewis Hamilton’s voice has turned a domestic issue into a worldwide conversation.
