Lewis Hamilton says drivers need to keep “the power sheet of the table” when it comes to Formula 1 governance.
Ben Sualyem posted a statement on her Instagram account on Monday. It said it is considering changes to the rules introduced in January.
The stricter rules that allow drivers to punish large amounts of funds and then potentially punish points deducted for repeated violations were implemented despite the Grand Prix Driver Association (GDPA) issued a statement last November expressing stubborn opposition to being censored during the cockpit.
At a driver’s press conference ahead of the Miami Grand Prix this weekend, both Ferrari’s Hamilton and GDPA director George Russell questioned the current power structure.
“I think the GPDA is very uniform in the end. Ultimately, I want to be able to work closely with the FIA,” said seven-time world champion Hamilton.
Image: Lewis Hamilton hopes F1 drivers have a “power seat on the table”
“I think we all, we all want to continue working together and make sports better, and of course, we have faced a slightly more difficult challenge with that communication over time.
“In the end, we don’t have a power seat on the table. In my opinion, it needs to change. If you look at other sports where there is a union, it may come out at some stage.
“We don’t want to control things, we just want to work with them more and have our voices heard.
“In the end, people make decisions for others who weren’t in that position. It’s good to have a perspective from a driver’s perspective. That’s all we try to give.”
Russell: I want action
Also, facing opposition from drivers competing in the world’s rally championships, Ben Sleim said he was considering “improving” regulations.
The Chief referred to Appendix B, part of the FIA Rules covering Steward’s Penalty Guidelines, setting penalties for misconduct, including words, actions or works that could have caused moral injury to the FIA or motorsport in general.
The first violation in Formula 1 will be fined 40,000 euros, and rise to 80,000 euros for one second, followed by a month of suspension and a third of championship points deductions, including 120,000 euros.
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Ben Sulayem wrote on Instagram: “We are considering improving Appendix B following constructive feedback from the drivers of the seven FIA World Championships.
“Appendix B is an important part of the international sports code and is central to helping sports become more accessible to all sports families.
“Humans can make rules, humans can improve rules. This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and is at the heart of everything I do at the FIA.”
Russell believes Ben Slayem’s post is a “conceptually” positive step, but urges the FIA chief to go further.
“We don’t say we’re considering things, we want to see these things happen. We’re all thinking a lot,” Russell said.
“It is clear that we want changes, and once they are implemented, we will comment on that, but it is being considered for the time being.
“So that means nothing until a mere word changes.”
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Gordon Ramsay will offer Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater a tour of the pop-up restaurant at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, offering a classic response to the FIA ban on oaths.
Russell also confirmed that there was no direct dialogue between the GDPA and the FIA on the topic, and admitted it is unclear whether Ben Slayem’s statement should be considered a response to the November release of the GDPA.
Asked if the Instagram post came as a surprise, Russell said, “I mean, yes, yes. Collectively, we haven’t spoken any more since.
“It would be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least asked. It’s the best interest in the sport and ensuring that some degree of common sense applies to these situations.”
Russell: Something should change
Ben Sulayem’s FIA leadership has been controversial since taking over as president in December 2021.
There has been an unprecedented turnover in senior roles within the organization, with Sports Robert Reid’s vice president resigning and a recent prominent departure resigned last month, citing concerns about the direction of FIA governance in Ben Slayem’s leadership.
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Sky Sports Formula 1 Pandit David Croft talks about the permutation of the FIA vice president for Sports Robert Reed’s resignation.
Ben Sulayem is scheduled to run for reelection as FIA president when the next election takes place in December.
Russell lamented the fact that his role as GDPA director, which he featured in 2021, has received a lot of attention on off-track issues.
The Mercedes driver added:
“When the GPDA was founded years ago, it wasn’t really about talking about politics. It was about talking about safety, about improving sports, about improving racing.
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George Russell admits the change is “concern” after news that FIA Vice President Robert Reid has resigned from the “Breakdown of Standards.”
“And I find myself, especially myself, talking about topics that I wasn’t actually going to talk about, but we find ourselves in an age where we aren’t focusing on why we are here.
“We’re here to go to race. We’re here to create the best shows for our fans and get the fastest cars, the safest cars, the best technology, the best engineering. And yet, we’ll talk about fines and punishments and oaths.
“So something might change. We’re open to that, but ultimately we want something that’s best for the sport.”
Sky Sports F1 Miami GP Schedule
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The Miami Grand Prix is a unique experience. Check out some of our favourite moments from the last few years!
Friday, May 2nd
3pm: F1 Academy Practice 1
5pm: Miami Grand Prix practice (sessions begin at 5:30pm)
7:30pm: Team Boss press conference
8:15pm: F1 Academy Practice 2
9.05pm: Miami Grand Prix Sprint Qualifiers (sessions begin at 9:30pm)
Saturday, May 3rd
3:20pm: F1 Academy Qualifications
4pm: Miami Grand Prix Sprint (Race starts at 5pm)
6:30pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook
7:50pm: F1 Academy Race 1
8.35pm: Miami GP Qualifying Build-Up*
9pm: Miami Grand Prix Qualifiers*
11pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments that took place around the Miami International Autodrome.
Sunday, May 4th
6pm: F1 Academy Race 2
7:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Miami GP Buildup*
9pm: Miami Grand Prix*
11pm: Checkered flag: Miami GP reaction*
Midnight: Ted’s Notebook
* Live at Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to Miami on Sprint weekend and starts a live show at Sky Sports F1 this Friday. Stream Sky Sports Now – No Contract, Cancel Anytime
