With three races to go in the world championship, the climate between Formula 1 drivers and the FIA is far from calm. The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), the spokesperson for the drivers' concerns, has decided to break the silence with an open letter that points the finger at the management of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Adding to the growing tensions is the surprise of the sudden dismissal of race director Niels Wittich, who left the grid in search of answers and greater transparency.
An unprecedented collective action
The GPDA’s decision to go public with its criticisms represents a turning point. As George Russell, director of the association, explained, the discontent of the drivers has been building for years, pushing them to form a common front. “We tried to discuss internally, but we never got anywhere concrete. We wanted to demonstrate that we are united and serious about addressing the open issues with the FIA,” declared the Mercedes driver.
The GPDA's open letter calls on the FIA to show greater respect for drivers, transparency in the use of fines, and a review of the tone used by President Ben Sulayem towards the grid. The direct reference is to the case of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, recently fined for using foul language in press conferences. The GPDA also stressed that drivers are adults and deserve to be treated as such, without the need for punitive interventions on marginal issues.
Wittich's firing: an unexpected break
The situation further worsened with Niels Wittich's sudden departure from the role of race director. A choice that has surprised many drivers, including Carlos Sainz and Russell himself. “We were not given any explanation. It is surprising to change the race director with three races to go in the season.”, commented Sainz.
Replacing Wittich will be Rui Marques, former race director in Formula 2 and Formula 3. However, drivers have expressed concerns about the need to establish a relationship of trust with the new director, especially at such a delicate stage of the championship. “We only ask for collaboration and an open dialogue,” Sainz added, highlighting how the discussion between drivers and race direction is crucial for more balanced and transparent decisions.
A request for transparency
Another central issue is the destination of the funds deriving from the fines imposed on the drivers. As Russell recalled, during the election campaign for the FIA presidency in 2021, Ben Sulayem had promised greater transparency on the use of these funds, with the intention of reinvesting them in grassroots motorsport programs. “We just want to know where the money goes. That was a promise made at the beginning, and now we demand clarity,” the British driver stressed.
An increasingly tense relationship between FIA and GPDA
The lack of response from the FIA has only fueled the discontent. “I think a lot of drivers are fed up with the situation. The direction the sport is taking is not the direction we want. We know what we want and we hope for a change of direction on many issues,” concluded Russell, reiterating the GPDA’s willingness to collaborate with the FIA.
With three races still to go, including the spectacular Las Vegas round, the relationship between the drivers and the FIA seems to have reached a critical point. The GPDA, united as never before, has set itself the goal of bringing the voice of the drivers back to the center of the dialogue. It remains to be seen whether the Federation will respond to the call or continue to ignore a malaise that is now evident.
Source: Motorsport.com
