F1 Drivers Demand FIA Treat Them as Adults in Strong Critique of Recent Policies

Formula One drivers have united to call on the FIA to treat them as adults, voicing dissatisfaction with recent penalties and restrictive policies. This criticism, issued through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), highlights drivers’ growing frustration with the FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, particularly over a recent policy of penalizing swearing. Drivers such as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have been sanctioned for using casual profanity, sparking a backlash that has led to this rare collective statement. It’s the first joint statement from the drivers since 2017, underscoring the depth of their concerns.

The GPDA’s statement clarified that not all swearing should be perceived as offensive. They argued that while some language might indeed be intended to insult, much of it is casual and reflective of natural reactions to intense driving moments or challenging conditions. The drivers asserted that, as adults, they should not need guidance on such matters, especially not through the media or from the FIA. This critique included a reference to earlier controversies around Ben Sulayem’s enforcement of rules on wearing jewelry and specific types of undergarments, which also frustrated drivers. Notably, this issue led to a prolonged dispute with Lewis Hamilton, who resisted removing his nose stud.

The recent swearing penalties stem from directives Ben Sulayem reportedly initiated. Prior to Verstappen’s punishment, Ben Sulayem commented that he wished to avoid “swearing” in F1, aiming to keep motor sport distinct from other cultural domains, like rap music. This comparison received backlash, with Hamilton calling it out for perceived racial undertones. He noted that the reference to “rappers” invoked stereotypes, particularly given the association of rap with Black culture, adding a layer of racial insensitivity to Ben Sulayem’s comment.

In terms of sanctions, Verstappen received a community service penalty following his comments about his car in Singapore, while Leclerc was fined €10,000 for using a similar expression after a tense moment on track in Mexico City. Beyond these cases, drivers are also dissatisfied with the nature of FIA penalties, which often involve financial fines. They argue that such fines do not contribute meaningfully to the sport, and the GPDA has repeatedly requested financial transparency from the FIA, asking for clarification on how fines are allocated and spent.

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The GPDA’s statement highlighted the need for open communication, noting that drivers have continuously sought details on the allocation of fine revenues. They suggested that any decisions regarding the use of these funds should be made collaboratively among all stakeholders, including the FIA, Formula One, the teams, and the GPDA. The drivers urged the FIA president to commit to a direct dialogue with them, emphasizing that such transparency would benefit the entire sport.

Alex Wurz, a former driver, chairs the GPDA, with current Mercedes driver George Russell and former world champion Sebastian Vettel among its directors. As all 20 Formula One drivers are GPDA members, the unified statement underscores a strong collective stance. They expressed a willingness to work with the FIA to resolve the issues constructively, but the statement’s sharp tone suggests they expect significant changes in approach and policy. The drivers’ public criticism places considerable pressure on the FIA to address the concerns and potentially revise its policies in a way that respects drivers’ professional autonomy and input.

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