After a season of heated debates over transparency, the FIA has defended how it spends the money collected from driver fines, claiming it supports grassroots motorsport and social initiatives. This comes as drivers, led by Mercedes’ George Russell, questioned the lack of clarity over how fines are utilized, prompting FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to dismiss their concerns.
Russell’s call for transparency
As a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), Russell spearheaded a push for greater accountability from the FIA, particularly over the €270,000 in fines levied in 2024. The controversy was fueled by a clampdown on driver conduct, including penalties for foul language and off-track behavior, leading to frustrations among drivers.
Despite these concerns, Ben Sulayem dismissed their queries, declaring, “It’s none of their business how the FIA spends its money.”
FIA’s response: Fines fund “good causes”
In an interview with Motorsport.com, FIA technical chief Nikolas Tombazis sought to dispel doubts about the organization’s financial practices. He emphasized that the FIA is a non-profit entity, using the fines to support projects that benefit motorsport and society at large.
“The FIA is not a profit-making organization,” Tombazis explained. “We don’t have shareholders looking at numbers on a stock exchange. All the money is spent on beneficial aspects, whether for safety, grassroots motorsport, or road safety projects.”
Grassroots investment
Tombazis revealed that the FIA invests significantly more in grassroots initiatives than it collects in fines. “There’s about €10.3 million spent on grassroots, supporting clubs and countries to promote early motorsport activities,” he said. These funds aim to:
- Develop future drivers: Create pathways for young talent to ascend motorsport ranks, regardless of financial background.
- Broaden motorsport’s appeal: Encourage wider participation in motorsport at all levels to bolster Formula 1’s long-term health.
“The health of Formula 1 depends not just on exciting grand prix races but also on engaging more people in grassroots motorsport,” Tombazis added.
Addressing driver frustrations
Acknowledging the frustration of drivers fined during an emotionally charged season, Tombazis defended the FIA’s noble intentions. “Anyone paying a fine may feel aggrieved, but these funds contribute to impactful projects. You won’t find money being used for Christmas parties,” he said.
He also clarified that driver fines are not used to subsidize other sports or categories, responding to concerns about cross-subsidization.
Building the future of motorsport
The FIA’s commitment to grassroots motorsport aligns with its vision for a sustainable and inclusive future. By funding initiatives to identify and nurture talent, particularly from less privileged backgrounds, the FIA aims to keep the motorsport pipeline flowing.
“Drivers who might not come from wealthy families deserve the opportunity to grow into the ladder,” Tombazis concluded. “This is crucial for the long-term appeal and health of motorsport.”
A necessary debate
The clash between drivers and the FIA highlights a deeper issue of trust and communication within Formula 1. While the FIA insists its financial practices are transparent and well-intentioned, drivers like Russell advocate for greater clarity and inclusion in decision-making.
The controversy underscores the importance of transparency in maintaining trust between governing bodies and participants in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.