Once again, the International Federation is harshly criticizing the 20 drivers competing in the Formula 1 World Championship. As often happens, the protagonist is once again FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who strongly criticizes the financial structure in place and how salaries are distributed between teams and drivers.
It’s not the first time the FIA president has made less-than-kind remarks about the drivers. The conflict between the two parties dates back to last year’s Singapore Grand Prix weekend. On that occasion, Max Verstappen was severely penalized for using an “unpleasant” word during a press conference.
Since then, the Federation has tightened rules and penalties. This move led the GPDA, the drivers’ association, to publicly oppose the new approach, accusing the organizers of excessive strictness and, above all, of lacking driver representation in major decisions.
This may have been the tipping point. In a new interview with Reuters, Ben Sulayem once again lashed out at the drivers. The controversy centers on an alleged imbalance in F1’s earnings system. “It’s completely absurd. Unfair deals have been made against us,” said the president.
“It makes no sense at all that a single driver and a single Team Principal earn more than the entire FIA—the body that owns the championship itself. Is that right…?”
His words spotlight a very sensitive issue, and this latest statement is clearly an attempt to reassert the FIA’s central role in the sport.
May 28, 2025
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