FIA President Hints at Major F1 Driver Change...

FIA President Hints at Major F1 Driver Change…read more

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hinted at potential changes in Formula 1, particularly regarding driver discipline, following recent controversies over swearing. His comments come amid increased scrutiny of his leadership, with several high-profile departures from the FIA and public clashes with top drivers.

One of the most notable incidents involved four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who was penalized for using offensive language during an official FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. In response, Verstappen opted to boycott future FIA press conferences, instead holding his own informal media sessions. This decision has further fueled tensions between the governing body and the drivers, raising questions about the balance between free speech and professional conduct in the sport.

Ben Sulayem, speaking at an FIA officials summit in Madrid, emphasized the importance of discipline in motorsport. He suggested that stricter measures might be implemented to ensure that drivers adhere to the governing body’s rules. “When I was racing in rallies, there was something called discipline,” he said. “Discipline is very important for us. We live with discipline, and the drivers live with discipline. What you say is your responsibility, and the rules are there.”

The FIA president reinforced that drivers serve as ambassadors for the sport and must uphold a certain level of professionalism. “Our drivers send a message for our sport and federation,” he added. “I don’t know why there is so much fuss. This is about discipline. It has been discussed and approved by the world council, which operates under a voting democracy.”

In addition to imposing stricter penalties for inappropriate language, Ben Sulayem hinted that the FIA could consider changes to team radio broadcasts. He suggested that the governing body might either delay or completely mute team radio communications to prevent the public from hearing swearing and other controversial statements. “Do we go ahead and turn off the radios? Maybe. Do we delay them? Maybe,” he speculated. “There are many things that we will work on now with our promoter. We are still the owners of the championship.”

Team radios have become a fundamental part of modern Formula 1 broadcasts, providing fans with real-time insights into driver-team discussions. Removing or censoring them could significantly impact the sport’s entertainment value and transparency. However, Ben Sulayem’s comments suggest that the FIA is considering taking a more controlled approach to communication within the sport.

This move is likely to provoke mixed reactions from fans, teams, and drivers alike. Many believe that Formula 1 thrives on raw emotion and candid moments, while others argue that a higher level of professionalism should be maintained. If the FIA does move forward with these changes, it could mark a significant shift in how the sport is managed and presented to the public.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the FIA will navigate the delicate balance between discipline, entertainment, and the drivers’ right to express themselves freely.