Formula 1 drivers have expressed their growing frustration with the FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, after receiving no response to their public statement issued two weeks ago. The statement, backed by all 20 drivers on the grid, demanded dialogue to address concerns about their treatment, financial transparency issues and the tone of the FIA’s leadership.

This weekend, during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, is the first time the FIA and drivers have agreed following the communiqué. The lack of response has intensified criticism, especially from key figures such as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who have stressed the need for collaboration.

DRIVERS’ CRITICISM OF THE FIA

George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), expressed his dissatisfaction: “We are unsure of the FIA’s direction. We are only looking for improvements for the good of the sport, but many of us feel we are going in the wrong direction.” For his part, Lewis Hamilton highlighted the unity among the drivers: “We are more united than ever. This shows that there are issues that need attention and the FIA needs to do better in working with us.”

The GPDA’s statement marked a significant moment, being the first such public statement in seven years. Drivers feel they have not been heard on important issues, including the use of money from fines and the tone employed by the president in various controversial situations.

TRANSPARENCY AND BROKEN PROMISES

Russell also noted that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has failed to deliver on promises of transparency made during his election campaign in 2021. “We were told that the money from the fines would be reinvested in the grassroots categories of motorsport, but we have not seen clarity on that. We just want to understand how those promises are delivered,” said the Mercedes driver.

The lack of action by the FIA has been a source of widespread disappointment among drivers. Russell emphasized that, through 20 races this year, they have tried to work with the FIA to no avail: “We feel they don’t take us seriously. We want change and to collaborate, but that’s not happening.”

THE LAS VEGAS GP AND THE FIGHT FOR THE TITLE

As tensions between drivers and the FIA escalate, the Las Vegas Grand Prix could crown the champion for the 2024 season. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has the chance to secure his fourth consecutive title if he finishes ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, who needs to beat the Dutchman by at least three points to extend the fight to the next Grand Prix in Qatar.

The lack of dialogue between the drivers and the FIA adds to a season marked by controversy. This misunderstanding reflects a widening gap between the demands of the drivers and the organization’s leadership, jeopardizing confidence in the governance of the sport.