Speeding into Stormy Waters: The FIA's Internal Chaos
Disarray Prevails Behind the Curtains at FIA Ahead of Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix
The Formula 1 season's glitz and glamour in Las Vegas hide a bitter feud brewing behind the scenes. The FIA, the sport's governing body, is in turmoil, with high-ranking officials abandoning ship left, right, and center.
British racer George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), expressed his and his fellow drivers' frustration with the FIA, describing them as "burned out." This big smoke was fanned further with a series of high-profile departures from the FIA, including Race Director Niels Wittich and Compliance Officer Paolo Basarri.
Wittich's resignation came amidst accusations, denials, and whispers. The FIA announced he was "pursuing other interests," which insiders confirmed was actually a dismissal. The timing of his exit was questionable, with the season's final races already underway.
Controversial President Mohamed Ben Sulayem was reportedly unsatisfied with certain aspects of race management, but no one expected him to act decisively in the middle of the season.
Wittich's successor, Rui Marques, steps up to the plate from the F2 and F3 competition, which is known for its demanding race management. Last season's Vegas Grand Prix faced numerous issues, including concerns about drain covers that damaged a car. If this year's event is any indication, Marques has a daunting task ahead.
Despite his qualifications and strong reputation, Wittich's dismissal was due to several factors. One was Red Bull's unhappiness with race control decisions that affected Max Verstappen during the recent Brazilian Grand Prix and the sprint race. Another was the ongoing controversy that began during Michael Masi's tenure as Race Director, which included a questionable decision that cost Lewis Hamilton a possible eighth world title in the 2021 Abu Dhabi race.
While Wittich's exit and Marques' appointment may seem like just another round of the usual personnel shuffles in the world of motorsport, the tension within the FIA extends much further than that. This unrest is symptomatic of deep-rooted dissatisfaction, fueled by issues ranging from a lack of transparency in the organization to contentious rules pertaining to personal expression and conduct.
This widespread discontent is not limited to the FIA, as many drivers, teams, and other key stakeholders have expressed their concerns about the organization's governance and handling of regulatory and sporting disputes. In a letter to Ben Sulayem, the drivers asked for straightforward communication, accusing him of treating them like children rather than adults. They also raised concerns over the misuse of fines collected from various instances of driver misconduct.
When interviewed by Autosport, Ben Sulayem acknowledged the difficulty in finding suitably qualified Race Directors but announced plans to establish a new department within the FIA to better train such officials at the grassroots level.
As the final three races of the 2024 season approach, tensions remain high within the FIA. Max Verstappen is the frontrunner in the Drivers' Championship, with Lando Norris facing a challenging 62-point deficit. However, the Constructors' Championship remains a fierce three-way battle between McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
In a world where Formula 1's glamour and competition dominate the headlines, the tumultuous happenings behind the scenes within the FIA serve as an intriguing subplot to the sport's excitement. By 11:45 pm PST on Saturday, Mohamed Ben Sulayem will be hoping that all attention returns to the thrilling action on the track and away from the tempest brewing within the FIA.
George Russell, a prominent British racer and head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), voiced concerns about the FIA's functioning, describing them as "burned out."
The FIA's internal chaos is not isolated to race management decisions, with many drivers and key stakeholders expressing dissatisfaction about the organization's governance and handling of regulatory and sporting disputes.
