In Miami Gardens, Fla., tensions stirred in the Formula 1 community as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s decision to review a controversial code of conduct gained attention. The president recently signaled via Instagram that he was considering changes to a rule that penalizes drivers for swearing, among other infractions. Yet, this move drew skepticism from Mercedes driver George Russell who questioned Ben Sulayem’s assertion that he’s been receiving “constructive feedback” from them. Russell expressed surprise upon hearing this claim, suggesting that no such dialogue had taken place.
This contentious rule, which was implemented at the start of the year, has been met with disapproval not only within Formula 1 but across other series governed by the FIA, like the World Rally Championship, where the measure has been criticized as excessively strict. The existing rule set fines at $45,500 for F1 drivers using offensive language or committing actions deemed detrimental to the FIA’s image.
Russell, speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, dismissed Ben Sulayem’s comments, emphasizing that intentions mean little without action. As Russell put it, “The words don’t mean anything until the change has been made.” He highlighted the lack of a substantive response from Ben Sulayem after the Grand Prix Driver’s Association (GPDA) issued an open letter last season.
The backdrop to this tension is an election year for Ben Sulayem, who was elected as FIA president following the 2021 season finale. However, his tenure has been marked by strained relations with drivers over various decisions, such as banning jewelry in cars and the contentious firings of industry figures like former F1 race director Niels Wittich.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has been vocal about his discontent with FIA’s management under Ben Sulayem. He once bluntly stated that Ben Sulayem never had his support, citing a “lack of accountability” and transparency in the sport. Hamilton warned that the reputation of Formula 1 might suffer if these issues persisted, remarking on the closed-door decisions within the FIA.
When approached about the drivers’ discontent regarding the new conduct codes, Ben Sulayem previously brushed off their concerns, deeming it “none of their business.” Despite Russell’s assertion that dialogue over the rule hadn’t occurred since last year’s letter, he acknowledged extensive discussions at the season’s Australian Grand Prix opener. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of actual change rather than mere intentions.
The regular driver briefings held by the FIA on Grand Prix Fridays have not always yielded fruitful outcomes, according to Russell. The GPDA, which was established in 1961 and reactivated in 1994, is central in drivers’ advocacy. Russell lamented that current discussions have shifted focus away from enhancing the sport and its safety towards penalties and issues like swearing.
During a press discussion, Russell urged Hamilton to weigh in on the matter. Hamilton responded by underscoring the unity within the GPDA and the collective desire to cooperate with the FIA in improving the sport. He noted the need for drivers to have greater influence in the decision-making process. Hamilton suggested the formation of sports unions might be beneficial, aspiring for more collaboration rather than control, and for drivers’ perspectives to be included in decisions impacting them.
Ultimately, both Russell and Hamilton seek to ensure drivers’ voices are acknowledged while striving for transparency and accountability within the FIA to safeguard the sport’s integrity.