Lewis Hamilton says drivers should hold “a table energy place” regarding Formula 1 governance, among the continued concern by sports stars over the leadership of FIA Mohamed Ben Sulayem.
Ben Sualyem posted a statement on his Instagram account on Monday which said he was considering changes to the rules presented in January, which included the most severe fines for the sworn drivers.
The toughest rules, which can see that drivers are fined large sums of money and then potentially deducted points for repeated violations were implemented despite the Grand Prix (GDPA) driver association issued a statement in November last year expressing determined objection to being censored while in the cabin.
During the press conference in front of this weekend Miami Grand Prix, both Ferrari’s Hamilton and GDPA George Russell director interrogated the current power structure.
“I think GPDA is ultimately very unified. After all, we want to be able to work closely with FIA,” said the world champion seven times Hamilton.
“I think all, all of us want to continue working together and making the sport better. And of course, we are faced with an uphill challenge in that communication over time.
“After all, we don’t keep a place of energy on the table and it should change, in my opinion. If you look at other sports that have unions, this may be something that comes into play.
“We don’t want to control things; we just want to cooperate with them more and hear our voices.
“After all, people who make decisions for others who have never been in that position, it’s best to have the point of view from the driver’s point of view, and that is all we try to give.”
Russell: We want action
Facing the opposition of drivers competing in the much less lucrative World Championship, Ben Sulayem said he was considering “improvements” to the regulations.
The Emirati referred to Annex B, part of FIA regulations covering Stewards’ punishment guidelines, setting penalties for misconduct, including words, deeds or writings that could have caused moral damage to FIA or the engine in general.
A first violation in F1 causes a fine of € 40,000, increasing to 80,000 € per second, and then € 120,000 plus a one-month suspension and discount of championship points for a third.
Ben Sulayem wrote on Instagram: “After constructive reactions from drivers to our seven world championships FIA, I am thinking of making improvements in Appendix B. As a former rally driver, I understand the requirements they face better than most.”
“Appendix B is a major part of the International Sports Code and is central to help keep the sport accessible to our entire sports family.
“People make rules and people can improve rules. This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and is at the heart of everything we do in FIA.”
Russell said he believed Ben Sulayem’s post was “conceptually” a positive step, but asked the FIA boss to go further.
“We want to see these things put into action rather than saying we are considering things. We all consider many things,” Russell said.
“We are clear that we want changes. And after they are implemented, then we will comment on it. But at the moment, it is considered.
“So it’s just the words don’t mean anything until the change is made.”
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Russell also confirmed that there was no direct dialogue between GDPA and FIA on the subject, admitting that he was not sure if Ben Sulayem’s statement should be taken in response to the release of GDPA in November.
Asked if the post on Instagram had come as a surprise, Russell replied: “I mean, in short, yes. Collectively, we have not spoken further from this, the open letter that was sent. So if that is the answer, I’m not very sure.
“It will be great if changes were made and drivers at least be heard. I think it’s only in the best interest in the sport and ensuring that some common sense is implemented in these situations.”
Russell: Something needs to change
Ben Sulayem’s FIA leadership has been decorated in controversy since he took over as president in December 2021.
There has been unprecedented traffic in senior roles within the organization, with the latest removal of Sports Vice President Robert Reid resigning, citing concerns about the leadership of FIA under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
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Ben Sulayem is expected to run for re -election as president of FIA when the upcoming position for the position is held in December.
Russell surprised the fact that his role as GDPA director, which he received in 2021, has resulted in so much attention given to issues outside the direction.
The Mercedes driver added: “I think it’s like unprecedented time we’ve been in the last 18 months with what is changing, what is happening.
“I think when GPDA was founded years ago, it wasn’t really talking about politics. It was to talk about security, it was to talk about sport improvements, racing improvements.
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George Russell acknowledges that the changes are ‘worrying’ following news that FIA Vice President Robert Reid resigns to ‘breaking standards’.
“And, in particular, I find myself talking about topics that I have not had any intention to talk about, but we find ourselves at a time when we are not focused on why we are all here.
“We’re here to compete. We’re here to create the best show for fans, to have the fastest cars, the safest cars, the best technology, the best engineering. And yet we talk about fine and junction.
“So maybe something has to change. We’re open to it, but we ultimately want the best for this sport.”
Miami’s GP program of Sky Sports F1
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Grand Prix Miami is a unique experience, look at our favorite moments from recent years!
Friday May 2
03:00: Academy Practice F1 1
5 Afternoon: Miami GP practice (the session begins at 5.30pm)
7.30 Afternoon: Team Chiefs Conference
8.15 Afternoon: Academy Practice F1 2
9.05 Afternoon: Qualification of Miami GP Sprint (the session starts at 9.30)
Saturday May 3
3.20 Afternoon: Qualification of Academy F1
4 Afternoon: Miami GP Sprint (Race starts at 5pm)
6.30 Afternoon: Notebook Sprint Ted
7.50 Afternoon: F1 Academy 1 Race 1
8.35 Afternoon: Miami GP Construction Qualification **
9 Afternoon: Miami GP Qualification*
11:00: TED Qualifying Notebook **
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Look at some of the most dramatic moments that have taken place around Miami’s international autodrom.
Sunday 4 May
6 Afternoon: F1 Academy 2 Race 2
7.30 Afternoon: Grand Prix Sunday: Miami GP Construction*
9 Afternoon: Miami’s Grand Prix **
11:00: Control Flag: Miami’s GP reaction*
Midnight: TED notebook
*Also live in Sky Sports Main event
Formula 1 goes to Miami for a Sprint weekend, starting this Friday Live in Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with now – without contract, cancel at any time
