The FIA has defended itself against accusations made by George Russell and the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) over the use of funds collected from fines imposed on Formula 1 drivers. In 2024, the governing body has imposed more than £250,000 in fines for more than 50 breaches, sparking demands for transparency over how the money is used.
Accusations of lack of transparency by Russell
After the São Paulo Grand Prix, the GPDA publicly criticized the FIA in an open letter, questioning its financial transparency and alleging a lack of accountability. Russell, the GPDA director, took particular aim at the governing body's handling of fines, expressing frustration over unaddressed concerns over the allocation of funds.
The controversy was fueled by comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who previously attracted attention for his remarks about drivers' swearing and their behavior during press conferences. Russell expressed concerns that the large fines lacked clarity about their purpose and criticized the organization for its failure to respond to the GPDA's demands.
The FIA defends its integrity
Nikolas Tombazis, head of single-seater racing at the FIA, addressed the criticism head-on, refuting any suggestion the money was misused or spent frivolously.
“The FIA is not a for-profit organisation,” Tombazis told Motorsport.com. “We have no shareholders or dividends. The money collected is invested in noble projects that benefit sport as a whole.”
Tombazis strongly denied the idea that the fines were used for trivial purposes such as staff celebrations. “It's simply not true that this money is funding Christmas parties or anything similar,” he said. “The amount spent on grassroots motorsport initiatives far exceeds the fines collected.”
Investing in grassroots motorsport
Tombazis stressed that all funds collected from driver fines are reinvested in the development of motorsport, particularly to support lower level racing categories like karting. He highlighted an investment of 10.3 million euros in grassroots programs aimed at encouraging future talent.
-“This funding supports projects that promote early motorsport activity in many countries. These initiatives ensure opportunities for drivers to advance through the ranks, even if they do not come from wealthy families,” explained Tombazis. “Ultimately, the health of Formula 1 depends on a thriving motorsport ecosystem at all levels.”
Reassure drivers and fans
Tombazis addressed Russell's concerns about promises made during the FIA presidential elections to prioritize grassroots races. He assured stakeholders that fines collected in F1 are not used to subsidize other sports or unrelated categories.
“These funds directly support programs such as campaigns against online abuse, safety projects and grassroots motorsport. They are all vital to nurturing talent and ensuring the future competitiveness of Formula 1.”
Building a sustainable future
Tombazis concluded by reiterating the importance of grassroots investment to build a sustainable and inclusive future for sport. “F1 is not just about thrilling Grands Prix. It’s about creating opportunities for aspiring drivers around the world and ensuring the sport remains accessible and attractive.”
The FIA's explanation aims to ease growing tensions with the GPDA and reassure fans that the money collected through driver sanctions serves a greater purpose. While the transparency controversy may not be completely resolved, Tombazis' statements mark an effort to bridge the gap between pilots and the regulator.
