BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton Calls for Stronger FIA-Driver D…read more

Lewis Hamilton Voices Need for Improved FIA Communication with F1 Drivers

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has publicly called upon the sport’s governing body, the FIA, and its President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, to foster better communication and collaboration with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton emphasised the need for drivers to have a more influential voice in decision-making processes.

“Ultimately the GPDA is very unified,” Hamilton stated during the official FIA press conference on Thursday. “We want to work closely with the FIA… All of us want to continue to work together and make the sport better.”

However, Hamilton noted the difficulties faced, describing the current communication lines as an “uphill challenge.” He argued that drivers, represented by the GPDA, should have a formal position in discussions affecting the sport. “Ultimately, we don’t hold a power seat at the table and that needs to change in my opinion,” he asserted, suggesting similarities to player unions in other major sports.

Hamilton stressed the value drivers bring to discussions, stating, “People making decisions for others that have never been in that position, it’s good to have a point of view from the driver’s perspective. That’s all we try to give.” He clarified the GPDA’s intent: “We don’t want to control things, we want to collaborate with them more and have our voices heard.”

This call for improved dialogue comes after previous tensions. Late last year, the GPDA criticized President Ben Sulayem’s tone following a penalty issued to Max Verstappen for swearing. The association also requested more transparency regarding how fines levied against drivers are utilized by the FIA. Recent events in the World Rally Championship, where drivers protested a swearing penalty, led Ben Sulayem to hint at potential changes to the FIA’s rules on the matter via social media.

GPDA Director George Russell echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, expressing concern over the recent focus on off-track issues. “I feel like it’s unprecedented times that we’ve been in the last 18 months,” Russell explained. He lamented that discussions often stray from the core purpose of F1.

“When the GPDA was founded years ago it wasn’t really to talk about politics,” Russell said. “It was to talk about safety, improvements of the sport, improvement of the racing… We find ourselves in a time where we’re not focused on the things why we’re all here. We’re here to go racing… yet we talk about fines and punishment, swearing.”

Both drivers underlined the unified goal of the GPDA: to work constructively with the FIA to ensure the continued health and improvement of Formula 1. “We just ultimately want the best for the sport,” concluded Russell.