F1 drivers demand respect and transparency in open letter to FIA
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) has released a strongly worded letter calling for Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, and its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, to treat drivers with the respect due to seasoned professionals, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding penalties for foul language.
The immediate catalyst for this collective action was the FIA's decision to penalize Max Verstappen for his language during a press conference prior to the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen received a community service order, a decision that did not sit well with his peers who have united in his defense.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has also felt the sting of FIA's punitive measures, having been fined €10,000 for swearing in a post-race press conference following the Mexico City Grand Prix.
In the letter, the GPDA underscores the maturity and professionalism of its members, stating, "Our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants." This is a pointed reference to the controversy during the 2022 Miami Grand Prix where the race director enforced a ban on jewellery in the cockpit. In a notable response, Lewis Hamilton made a statement by donning multiple accessories at a press conference.
The GPDA also raised concerns about the transparency of fines and the allocation of these funds. GPDA president George Russell suggested that fine money could be better used to fund permanent race steward salaries, potentially reducing the criticism related to inconsistent penalty enforcement.
Furthermore, the letter directly addresses President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's communication style, criticizing his preference for airing opinions through the media. It reads, "We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise."
The letter continues to draw a distinction between casual and insulting swearing, emphasizing that drivers understand and respect the fundamentals of sportsmanship but feel the current approach to fines and media instructions is condescending and inappropriate.
In a broader vision for the sport, the GPDA requests greater financial transparency and a collaborative approach among all stakeholders, including the FIA, teams, and drivers, to enhance the sport for everyone involved: from participants to fans.
The full message from the GPDA concludes with a call for unity and cooperation, "The GPDA wishes to collaborate in a constructive way with all the stakeholders, including the FIA President, in order to promote our great sport for the benefit of everyone who works in it, pays for it, watches it, and indeed loves it." The letter is signed by the Directors and Chairman of the GPDA, embodying the spirit of #RacingUnited for the safety, sport, and fans of Formula 1.
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