F1 drivers slam FIA's ‘unfair’ fines and demand transparency from president in open letter
The GPDA urges the FIA to reconsider fines for swearing and demands transparency in fund allocation and handling.
Pop Culture & Art |
November 07, 2024
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), representing all current Formula 1 drivers, has issued a strongly worded open letter to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, expressing dissatisfaction with recent fines imposed for swearing and requesting greater transparency regarding the allocation of penalty funds. The GPDA’s statement follows penalties imposed on drivers Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for swearing in press conferences. Verstappen was assigned community service for an incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, while Leclerc received a €10,000 fine, €5,000 of which was suspended, for language used at the Mexican Grand Prix press conference.
The GPDA letter, signed on behalf of all F1 drivers, argued that “there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing,” urging the FIA to consider this nuance. The letter also addressed the FIA’s scrutiny over drivers' attire, specifically jewelry and undergarments, stating, “Our members are adults. They do not need to be given instructions via the media about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewelry or underpants.”
Moreover, the GPDA emphasized a need for financial transparency regarding fines, stating they have repeatedly asked the FIA for “details and strategy regarding how the FIA’s financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent.” The GPDA argued that such fines could harm the sport’s image and reiterated the call for open dialogue between all stakeholders, including the FIA, Formula 1, the teams, and the drivers.
The statement reflects ongoing tension between drivers and the FIA over rules imposed by Ben Sulayem, who has focused on enforcing conduct regulations within the sport.
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