Lewis Hamilton asserts that Formula 1 drivers must possess a significant position (“a power seat at the table”) concerning the sport`s governance. This comes amidst ongoing discontent among F1`s competitors regarding the leadership of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Ben Sulayem recently indicated via a statement on his Instagram account that he is considering revisions to rules introduced in January. These controversial rules included imposing substantially heavier fines for drivers who use offensive language.
These stricter regulations, which could result in significant financial penalties and potentially even points deductions for repeated breaches, were implemented despite a clear statement from the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) in November of the previous year expressing strong opposition to being subjected to censorship while competing in the cockpit.
During a press conference leading up to this weekend`s Miami Grand Prix, both Ferrari`s Lewis Hamilton and GPDA director George Russell voiced concerns about the current structure of power within the sport.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton commented on the unity within the GPDA, stating, “I think everyone, all of us want to continue to work together and make the sport better. And of course, we’ve faced a bit of an uphill challenge in that communication over time.”
He continued, “Ultimately, we don’t hold a power seat at the table and that needs to change, in my opinion. If you look at other sports that have unions, that may be something that comes into play at some stage.”
“We don’t want to control things; we just want to collaborate with them more and have our voices heard,” Hamilton explained. “Ultimately, people making decisions for others that have never been in that position, it’s good to have the point of view from the driver’s perspective, and that’s all we try to give.”
Russell Calls for Action Beyond Words
After also receiving criticism from drivers in the World Rally Championship, FIA President Ben Sulayem stated he was considering “improvements” to the regulations. He specifically referenced Appendix B of the FIA regulations, which provides guidelines for penalties concerning misconduct, including actions or words deemed to cause moral injury to the FIA or motorsport.
The current penalties for a first breach in F1 under these rules stand at a €40,000 fine, escalating to €80,000 for a second offense, and €120,000 along with a one-month suspension and points deduction for a third.
In his Instagram post, Ben Sulayem wrote, “Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA world championships, I am considering making improvements to Appendix B. As a former rally driver, I understand the demands they face better than most.”
He added, “Appendix B is a key part of the International Sporting Code and is central in helping keep the sport accessible for all our sporting family… Humans make the rules and humans can improve the rules. This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and is at the heart of all we do at the FIA.”
George Russell acknowledged that Ben Sulayem`s post was conceptually positive but urged the FIA president to take concrete steps. “We want to see these things put into action rather than saying we’re considering things. We all consider a lot of things,” Russell commented.
“We’re clear we want changes. And once they are implemented, then we’ll comment on it. But for the time being, it’s being considered,” he said, emphasizing, “So, it’s just the words don’t mean anything until the change is being made.”
Russell confirmed there has been no direct communication between the GPDA and the FIA specifically on this topic since the association`s open letter. He wasn`t certain if Ben Sulayem`s Instagram post was intended as a direct response to their previous stance.
Asked if the Instagram post was unexpected, Russell replied, “I mean, in short, yes… It’ll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard. I think it’s just in the best interest for the sport and ensuring that some common sense is sort of applied to these situations.”
Russell Highlights Shift in GPDA Focus
Ben Sulayem`s tenure as FIA president, which began in December 2021, has been marked by controversy. The organization has seen an unusual level of turnover in key senior positions.
A recent notable departure was that of Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid last month, who reportedly resigned citing concerns over the direction of governance within the FIA under Ben Sulayem`s leadership.
Ben Sulayem is anticipated to stand for re-election for the FIA presidency in December.
Russell, who became a GPDA director in 2021, expressed regret that his role often requires focusing on off-track political issues rather than the core aspects of racing. The Mercedes driver stated, “I feel it’s like unprecedented times we’ve been in the last 18 months with what’s been changing, what’s happening.”
“I think when the GPDA was founded years ago, it wasn’t really to talk about politics. It was to talk about safety, it was to talk about improvements of the sport, improvements of the racing,” he added.
Russell concluded, “And, especially myself, I find myself talking about topics that I didn’t really have any intention of talking about, but 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. We’re here to create the best show for the fans, to have the fastest cars, the safest cars, the best technology, the best engineering. And yet we talk about fines and punishments and swearing.”
“So, maybe something should change. We’re open to it, but we just ultimately want the best for the sport.”
Marcus Prine