FIA Announces Controversial Changes Granting More Power to.......

FIA Announces Controversial Changes Granting More Power to…….read more

Formula 1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has sparked controversy by implementing significant changes following the conclusion of the 2024 season. This season, which wrapped up at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was marked by intense battles both on and off the track, as well as increasing criticism aimed at the FIA, particularly regarding the handling of driver penalties and the relationship between the FIA and 2024 champion Max Verstappen. Now, in the aftermath of a season that witnessed fierce competition and tensions, the FIA has unveiled a series of amendments to its internal procedures, granting additional power to its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi saw Lando Norris securing a victory for McLaren and leading the team to its first Constructors’ Championship title since 1998. Ferrari came close but ultimately finished second, while Red Bull, despite Max Verstappen’s dominance in the Drivers’ Championship, fell short of their usual standards in the Constructors’ Championship, finishing in third place. This performance was hindered by Sergio Perez’s inconsistent form throughout the season.

However, the 2024 season also left a trail of controversy, including contentious driver penalties and public disagreements between the FIA and Verstappen over issues of conduct. These disputes and the FIA’s handling of them led to criticism of the governing body’s decision-making process. In response to such issues, the FIA has announced a series of procedural changes that are now set to reshape the power dynamics within the organization.

One of the most significant amendments centers on the FIA’s Ethics Committee. Previously, the committee’s operations were more independent, but now, it will report to both the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the President of the Senate, Carmelo Sanz De Barros. Additionally, the Ethics Committee now has the authority to independently decide whether or not to launch an investigation, a shift from the previous structure where such decisions were made with broader input from the FIA Administration. These changes have been described by the FIA as a move to preserve and enhance the committee’s independence, minimizing the role of the FIA Administration in its work.

The second major change addresses concerns about the confidentiality of Ethics Committee reports. Leaks of confidential information, particularly regarding ongoing investigations, have been a problem in recent times, and the FIA has sought to address this issue by limiting the distribution of Ethics Committee reports. The revised guidelines stipulate that only a select group of individuals—such as the President, the President of the Senate, and certain FIA staff—will have access to these reports. This move is aimed at preventing unauthorized leaks of sensitive material to the media, which have raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation process.

Finally, the FIA emphasized that some Ethics Committee reports contain highly sensitive information, including criminal or safeguarding issues, which need to be handled with utmost discretion. By restricting the automatic sharing of these reports, the FIA aims to protect the privacy and safety of both the complainants and individuals subject to investigation. This decision underscores the FIA’s intention to maintain confidentiality and ensure that sensitive matters are addressed in a secure and private manner.

In conclusion, the FIA’s decision to implement these changes, while presented as a means to improve the integrity and independence of the Ethics Committee, has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that centralizing more power in the hands of FIA President Ben Sulayem could lead to a lack of accountability, while supporters believe the amendments will streamline operations and protect sensitive information. The controversy surrounding these changes is likely to continue as the motorsport world reacts to the FIA’s reshaping of its internal processes.