Formula 1 teams are concerned after it emerged the sport’s governing body, the FIA, plans to change the rules to limit the ways it can hold its management accountable. Sky Sports News has learned
On December 13, after this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there will be a vote to propose changes to the FIA’s statutes regarding auditing and ethics within the governing body.
The changes will mean the FIA’s ethics committee will now only carry out a preliminary assessment to see if an in-depth investigation is needed, with FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem and Senate president Carmelo Sanz De Barros ultimately deciding on further action. regarding any ethics complaint.
Sky Sports News It is understood the proposed changes have caused concern among senior members of F1 teams and members of the World Motor Sport Council, which includes some other F1 stakeholders.
Several senior F1 figures also said the proposals were at odds with the transparency and trust the sport should show where moral or ethical issues are dealt with.
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In an “unprecedented” situation, all 20 F1 drivers have asked President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to respond to the latest cussing saga.
The FIA reported Sky Sports News“It would not be appropriate to comment on proposed charter amendments, and indeed World Council (Sports and Mobility) proposals, before they are brought before the SC or board members.”
Ben Sulayem took over from Jean Todt as FIA president for a four-year term at the end of 2021 and is preparing for a second term starting in 12 months. He is currently officially unopposed ahead of the final election in 2025.
Busy year for Ben Sulayem
Ben Sulayem has been surrounded by controversy this year after being accused by the FIA whistleblower of meddling in the outcome of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The 63-year-old was also accused of telling FIA officials not to certify the Las Vegas circuit for last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, both claims were dismissed.
He was criticized by Lewis Hamilton for using stereotypical language when compared to rappers in an interview where he spoke of wanting to see less profanity on team radio.The FIA declined to comment at the time.
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Max Verstappen was part of a stunning press conference after qualifying in Singapore as he refused to answer questions comprehensively after swearing.
In the past 12 months, the FIA has parted company with 10 senior figures, including its sporting director, F1 technical director, digital director, head of commercial legal affairs, director of governance and regulation, director of racing, head of the women’s motorsport commission, general secretary of mobility and communications director.
Most notably, race director Nils Wittich and lead steward Tim Mayer were sacked in November.
George Russell, who is director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), says F1 drivers are “a bit fed up” with the FIA and questions who will be the next to be sacked.
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Mercedes’ George Russell believes FIA needs to be more transparent and consistent after recent sackings
Sky Sports F1 live Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Thursday, December 5
11:00: Drivers’ press conference
Friday December 6
5.45: F1 Academy practice
7am: F2 practice
9:00 a.m. Abu Dhabi GP practice first (session starts at 9.30am)*
10.55: F2 qualifying
12.45. Abu Dhabi GP Second Practice (session starts at 13.00)*
14.30. F1 Academy Qualification*
15.15: F1 show*
Saturday December 7
8.10: F1 Academy Race One
10.15. Abu Dhabi GP third practice session (session starts at 10.30am)
12.10: F2 Sprint race
13.15. Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying
14:00. ABU DHABI GP QUALIFYING*
16:00: F1 Academy: Race Two
5:00 PM Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, December 8
7.10: The third race of the F1 Academy
9:20 F2 feature race
11.30. Grand Prix Sunday. Abu Dhabi GP Rally
13:00 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
At 15:00. Checkered flag. Abu Dhabi GP reaction
16:00: Ted’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Watch the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1 this coming week at 1pm on Sunday. Get Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW
