The days leading up to the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix have been tense. Between abrupt dismissals at the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and criticism from major figures in the sport, the atmosphere is electric. What is really happening behind the scenes at the FIA?
Let’s break down the recent dismissals, the drivers’ reactions, and the growing concerns surrounding the stability of the organization that governs Formula 1.
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A wave of high-level departures at the FIA
For months now, the FIA has been facing an exodus of its most influential personnel. Tim Mayer, an experienced steward, was dismissed following a disagreement with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem over a track invasion incident at the U.S. Grand Prix. Mayer, who learned about his dismissal via SMS, criticized the FIA’s leadership as “problematic.” And he isn’t the only one leaving. In recent months, figures like Janette Tan, who was set to take over as F2 director, and former race director Niels Wittich have also been ousted. The departure of Natalie Robyn, the FIA’s first-ever CEO, has only added to the perception of chaos. This constant turnover raises questions about the organization’s ability to ensure the continuity essential to managing races.
George Russell (GPDA) and drivers demand answers
Among the drivers, concerns are mounting. George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), hasn’t held back. He believes the FIA lacks transparency in communicating the reasons behind these dismissals. According to him, this instability could disrupt the sport’s already fragile balance. “We asked for consistency, but all we see is constant change,” George Russell stated. The Mercedes driver also expressed frustration over the lack of clear explanations regarding Wittich’s departure and the hasty appointments, such as Rui Marques, who now has to juggle both F1 and F2. This rapid personnel turnover, coupled with controversial decisions like penalizing drivers for swearing on the radio, raises questions about the direction Mohammed Ben Sulayem is taking the FIA.
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Consequences for F1: eroding trust?
At a time when Formula 1 is experiencing remarkable growth under Liberty Media’s leadership, internal turmoil within the FIA threatens to overshadow this success. Drivers, teams, and even fans fear that this instability could undermine race management.
With Grands Prix already marked by controversial penalty decisions and safety car interventions, the lack of clarity at the top only intensifies tensions. And if the FIA continues to lose its key figures, as Mayer pointed out, it may become increasingly difficult to attract the talent needed to manage the complexities of competitions like Formula 1, FIA F2, and the WEC—all under the FIA’s jurisdiction.
This article delves into the recent tensions within the FIA, highlighting a series of departures that have alarmed both drivers and fans. Between criticism of Ben Sulayem’s leadership and potential repercussions for Formula 1, the atmosphere is far from calm just days before the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.
