F1 drivers challenge FIA's penalty and conduct standards
GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) demands FIA transparency on driver fines and penalties, challenges Ben Sulayem's leadership style in wake of recent swearing controversies.
Tensions between Formula 1's drivers and the sport's governing body have escalated.
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) issued a strongly-worded statement challenging FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's approach to driver conduct and financial penalties.
The unprecedented move comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding penalties for casual swearing.
Max Verstappen receiving community service for comments made during Singapore's press conference and Charles Leclerc facing a €10,000 fine, partially suspended, following the Mexico Grand Prix.
Drivers call for nuanced approach
In their collective statement, released through the GPDA's new Instagram platform, the drivers emphasized the critical distinction between intentionally offensive language and casual expressions of frustration.
🚨| Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) calls for respect and transparency from FIA over driver fines and conduct guidelines. pic.twitter.com/j2O60PN9tD
— Pitinsider.com (@pitinsider) November 7, 2024
The association, while acknowledging the necessity of respecting official decisions, questioned the proportionality of recent penalties.
"There is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car,"
the statement outlined, marking a clear position on the recent controversies.
Leadership communication under scrutiny
The GPDA took the unusual step of directly addressing Ben Sulayem's communication style, urging the FIA president to reflect on his own approach when engaging with drivers.
The statement referenced previous incidents, including the 2022 jewelry regulations that appeared targeted at Lewis Hamilton, suggesting a pattern of communication that the drivers find problematic.
Financial transparency demands
Perhaps most significantly, the GPDA has renewed its long-standing call for clarity regarding the allocation of driver fines.
For three years, the association has sought details on how these financial penalties are utilized, expressing concern about their impact on the sport's image.
"We have also relayed our concerns about the negative image financial fines bring to the Sport,"
the statement emphasized, calling for joint stakeholder involvement in determining the allocation of these funds.
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