Without Formula One on the track, it hasn't been a very quiet week for the FIA. In fact, the International Federation has been al center of much controversy, fromofficial calendar in the case of super licence.
FIA, not very idyllic relations with the teams
The first point is related to the calendar. As is known, Libery Media and the FIA usually meet to be able to disclose the calendar for the next season together. This year however, things worked out differently. In particular, Liberty Media did not appreciate the FIA's choice to formalize the calendar for 2023, without even having the latest ok from the teams. In fact there have been many the teams that rebelled against the FIA, especially for the USA, Mexico and Brazil hat-trick scheduled for next season's finale.
Colton Herta in F1, the no of the FIA arrives
Another very hot topic is related to the superlicense. As you know, by regulation, a driver can land in Formula One only if in possession of the FIA superlicence, i.e. a document with 40 points obtained during his career. La superlicense It's been a hot topic these past few weeks, because of Colton Herta. The American pilot, currently in IndyCarhad been contacted from AlphaTauri to replace Gasly, very close to the Alpine. However, the negotiation fell through. precisely because of Herta's lack of 40 points. This is how the FIA explained his decision.
The FIA confirms that an investigation has been carried out through the proper channels which has led to the FIA confirming that driver Colton Herta does not have the number of points required to obtain a superlicence. The Federation continuously reviews its regulations and procedures, including with regards to super-licence eligibility, with the main factors taken into consideration in respect of this matter being safety, experience and performance in the context of the course”.
Superlicence case, the pilots are not there
Choice that it was not widely shared by the various insiders. In fact, there was no lack of criticism and attacks on the FIA. An example are the statements of Stoffel Vandoorne which he admitted.
“I think the Formula E champion should earn more points. After all, all the drivers who drive in Formula E have previously won other championships: Formula Renault, Formula 3, GP2 or Formula 2. Many of the drivers who drive here have proven themselves and many of them, myself included, have also raced in Formula 1. Besides, there is also a small group of drivers here who compete in this championship, so perhaps it doesn't make much sense that they only receive 30 points“.
Brown: "We need to review the regulation"
Complaints also came from home McLaren, with Zak Brown strongly disagreeing on how the superlicense rule is structured.
“I think the whole Superlicense system needs to be reviewed. I understand that rules are rules and that they shouldn't be broken, but I wonder if we are dealing with correct rules. A driver of Herta's caliber, or O'Ward's caliber, are capable of driving a Formula 1, if Colton is not eligible for a super licence, I think we need to review the system.
The situation is therefore for now very complex. Everyone is attacking the FIA which, at least for the moment, is silent. Everyone points the finger, but the Federation will certainly not stand idly by.
STATEMENT SOURCE: Vandoorne(FormulaPassion)/Brown(Motorsport.com Italia)
