The discontent is growing among F1 drivers, who can no longer stand the lessons of the FIA and its new president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
It has been almost three years since Mohammed Ben Sulayem took over as president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), thus overseeing since then the queen of motor sports, Formula 1. Quickly, the person concerned wanted to establish new rules, particularly regarding the decorum of pilots. And to insist very recently that this showcase of the FIA that is F1 should “ establish a difference between motorsport and rap “. This is to call the players on the world circuit to order regarding their attitude in public.
Obviously, these words did not go down well with the pilots, the protagonists who can no longer stand being infantilized and systematically fined in the event of verbal violations in particular. Recently in Singapore, Max Verstappen, for example, paid the price for a “fuck” released in front of the press. Same thing for Charles Leclerc, who must pay a penalty of 5,000 euros for such an interjection.
The president of the FIA directly questioned
While they rarely speak together, the drivers united in an association – the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) – issued a press release to challenge the FIA. “ There is a difference between swear words that are insulting and more common swear words, such as those one might use to talk about bad weather, an object like a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation. », they emphasize.
And to single out the very president of the international body, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “ We ask the FIA President to consider his own tone and language when addressing, or speaking about, our member drivers. Furthermore, our members are adults, they do not need to receive instructions through the media on such trivial matters as wearing jewelry or underwear. » Finally the GPDA questions the use of fines regularly collected: “
Over the past three years, we have asked the FIA President to share details and strategy regarding how FIA financial fines are allocated and funds spent “. Not yet a revolution, but a small revolt all the same.
