- FIA boss hints at MAJOR F1 driver change in swearing row…….read more
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hinted at a significant change in Formula 1 following a series of disputes with drivers over swearing, sparking discussions about potential disciplinary measures. The FIA has faced intense scrutiny lately, especially following the departure of several high-profile figures from the governing body, coupled with public disagreements with star drivers.
A prominent incident involved Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, who faced punishment for swearing during an official FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. This led Verstappen to boycott future press conferences and hold his own informal media sessions instead. Meanwhile, George Russell, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), voiced his concerns about the FIA’s lack of transparency. He spearheaded a joint statement from drivers demanding better treatment and greater clarity from the sport’s governing body.
In light of these events, FIA President Ben Sulayem recently made comments suggesting stricter measures could be implemented to address what he perceives as a lack of discipline from drivers. He emphasized that it is the drivers’ responsibility to adhere to the rules set by the FIA, underlining the importance of maintaining discipline both on and off the track.
Ben Sulayem stressed that discipline had been a cornerstone of motorsport, drawing from his own experience in rally racing. He stated that the rules governing behavior were approved by the FIA World Council and were not up for debate. According to the FIA president, drivers serve as ambassadors for the sport and must send positive messages, with their actions reflecting the values of the organization. He expressed confusion as to why the controversy surrounding the issue had gained so much attention, calling it simply a matter of following the established discipline.
Furthermore, Ben Sulayem suggested that the FIA might consider more drastic measures to ensure that the conduct of drivers aligns with these expectations. One such measure could involve turning off team radios during races to prevent audiences from hearing inappropriate language, a common feature of modern Formula 1 broadcasts. The idea of limiting access to radio communications was mentioned as a potential solution to control what is heard by the public during races.
When asked about the possibility of such changes, Ben Sulayem remarked that he would work with the FIA promoter and other stakeholders to explore various options, including delaying or muting team radio transmissions. He emphasized that these discussions were ongoing and that the FIA remains the owner of the championship, suggesting that the governing body would continue to implement changes in line with its objectives.
While Ben Sulayem’s comments have sparked a new wave of speculation regarding the future direction of F1’s media policies, the underlying message remains clear: the FIA is committed to ensuring that discipline is maintained within the sport. This includes reinforcing standards of behavior among drivers, who are expected to represent the sport with professionalism and respect. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how these potential changes will unfold and how they will be received by the drivers, teams, and fans.
