F1 drivers denounce FIA’s ‘unfair’ fines and demand transparency from president in open letter

The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), which represents all current Formula 1 drivers, has sent a strongly worded open letter to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, expressing their dissatisfaction with the recent fines imposed for swearing and asking for more transparency regarding the allocation of fines. The GPDA statement follows the penalties imposed on drivers Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for swearing at press conferences. Verstappen was given community service for an incident during the Singapore Grand Prix, while Leclerc was fined €10,000, of which €5,000 was suspended, for language used at the Mexican Grand Prix press conference.

The GPDA letter, signed on behalf of all F1 drivers, stated that “there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing”, urging the FIA ​​to consider this nuance. The letter also addressed the FIA’s oversight of drivers’ clothing, particularly jewelery and undergarments, stating: “Our members are adults. They don’t need to be instructed through the media on trivial matters such as wearing jewelry or underpants.”

Furthermore, the GPDA highlighted the need for financial transparency regarding fines, stating that they have repeatedly asked the FIA ​​for “details and strategy regarding how the FIA’s financial fines are allocated and where the money goes is spent.” The GPDA argued that such fines could damage the image of the sport and reiterated the call for an open dialogue between all stakeholders, including the FIA, Formula 1, the teams and the drivers.

The statement reflects the ongoing tension between drivers and the FIA ​​over the rules imposed by Ben Sulayem, who has focused on enforcing rules of conduct within the sport.