A lousy rule is worse than no rule at all. In Formula One, this sentiment captures the frustration of fans and teams alike as they have struggled with the mismanagement made by the sports governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship. For those who don’t know, Formula One is a high-speed racing series where drivers compete in some of the world’s fastest (up to 220 miles per hour), most advanced cars, racing on iconic tracks globally while pushing the limits of technology and human skill. But while the majority of those 75 years have been tolerable at best, the past few years have brought the FIA’s motives into question.
One recent moment comes to mind when discussing the FIA’s disappointing decisions. During this year’s season, at the pre-race press conference for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, recently crowned world champion Max Verstappen was told to “do some work of public interest” after using an expletive to describe his car at the previous race, according to Formula One’s official website. Moreover, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem told the press following the incident that he wanted to “differentiate” motorsport and “rap music,” as reported by the BBC. Many fans viewed that remark as racist — even seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s first Black driver, also according to the BBC. And that was not the first time drivers clashed with Sulayem. According to ESPN, Hamilton also clashed with the FIA following comments Sulayem made about wanting to enforce rules regarding jewelry and underpants.
The FIA’s lack of transparency in decision-making fuels even more frustration. The governing body’s reluctance to clarify its rules or explain controversial calls confuses fans and teams. This was made especially clear following an incident with Max Verstappen. This year, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) – an organization representing all 20 drivers on the current grid – released a statement calling for more transparency in the FIA’s actions, particularly regarding the fines imposed on drivers. According to a post made to the association’s Instagram page, the GPDA demanded clarity on how the penalties, including those for swearing or other infractions, are used. There has been little explanation on whether the money goes toward supporting the sport or is kept by the FIA.
The FIA is undermining not only racing as a whole but its athletes, too. Instead of focusing on enhancing the sport and its global appeal, the FIA’s actions have become a distraction. Instead of keeping order and safety in their priorities, they regulate drivers’ choice of language and jewelry. As Formula One approaches its 75th anniversary, it is time for the FIA to reconsider its approach. The sport needs a governing body committed to the best interests of the sport, its participants, and its fans, not underwear and swearing. Formula One deserves better than a governing body that creates problems instead of solutions.
