FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has lashed out at Formula 1 drivers amid a growing feud over stewarding standards and the allocation of fines. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has been vocal about demanding permanent, professional stewards to ensure fair and unbiased rulings in Formula 1. However, Ben Sulayem claims the drivers are unwilling to foot the bill for such changes.
“Nice Talk, No Action”
Ben Sulayem addressed the GPDA’s call for professional stewards with sharp criticism, suggesting that drivers aren’t willing to contribute financially to the changes they demand.
“It’s very nice talk, but when they say professional, and they want professional, they don’t want to pay for it. That is so obvious.”
This statement underscores a broader tension between the FIA and drivers, with the GPDA pushing for reforms in stewarding but questioning where fines imposed by the FIA are being spent.
“Drivers’ Salaries Under the Spotlight”
The FIA President hit back at the GPDA’s scrutiny of fine allocations, turning the spotlight on the drivers’ own earnings.
“The drivers are getting over $100 million. Do I ask where they spend it? No, it’s up to them. It’s their right. So please, it’s not only me saying it is none of their business. We do whatever we do with our money. It’s our business.”
He also called out the drivers for directing their grievances solely at the FIA while ignoring Formula One Management (FOM), which oversees the commercial aspects of the sport:
“It’s always about the FIA. Why are we doing this? Why are we doing that? But did anyone go to FOM?”
“Stewards Don’t Grow on Trees”
Ben Sulayem defended the FIA’s process of training and appointing stewards, likening it to nurturing talent over time.
“I say it again and again – stewards do not grow on trees. It takes time to educate them. It takes time to train them. And then you evolve them.”
He dismissed comparisons with other sports like football, where referees receive substantial salaries, stating that F1 doesn’t have the financial capacity for such a model:
“I see the point about having them maybe like the Premier League where they [the referees] are paid. But we don’t have the money to do that.”
“The Bigger Picture”
With F1 enjoying record-breaking popularity and viewership, the spotlight is brighter than ever on the FIA’s governance of the sport. Calls for transparency and consistency in stewarding have grown louder, particularly after contentious rulings in the 2024 season.
While Ben Sulayem’s remarks highlight financial and logistical challenges, the tension between the FIA and the drivers points to a deeper issue of trust and communication.
“What’s Next for F1 Governance?”
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, pressure will mount on the FIA to address these concerns. Ben Sulayem will need to balance cost constraints with the drivers’ demands for fairness and professionalism. Without meaningful reform, the rift between the governing body and those behind the wheel could further widen, threatening to overshadow the sport’s continued success.