Lewis Hamilton Calls for GPDA to be Given More Power in F1 Amid FIA Struggles
================================================================================
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has urged the Formula 1 Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) to be given a greater role in shaping the championship’s rules and future plans. The call comes amid a standoff between drivers and the championship’s governing body, the FIA, over issues including draconian rules on swearing.
The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has taken a hard line in punishing drivers for their foul language in press conferences. However, he has admitted to considering a u-turn on his decision to fine them for such outbursts, writing on his Instagram account that after “constructive feedback” from drivers across the world, he was open to making “improvements”.
According to Autosport, Hamilton believes that the GPDA should be given a seat of power to help run the championship. “Ultimately, the GPDA is very unified,” Hamilton said. “We are working to ultimately be able to work closely with the FIA. All of us want to make the sport work together and make the sport better. Of course, we’ve faced a bit of an uphill challenge in that communication over time.”
Hamilton’s comments come as the GPDA seeks to establish a position of authority, allowing drivers to have some input on shaping F1’s rules and future plans. The seven-time world champion believes that this is necessary, given that drivers are often subject to decisions made by people who have never been in their position. “People are making decisions for others that have never been in that position, so it is good to have a the point of view from the drivers’ perspective,” he said.
The issue of driver input has become increasingly pressing in recent weeks, following a series of punishments handed out to drivers for swearing in press conferences. Last season, Max Verstappen was hit with a punishment for swearing in a live press conference during the Singapore Grand Prix. The world champion was issued with a “work of public interest” penalty as a result of using the f-word during a televised broadcast.
Ben Sulayem has also overseen an increase in potential fines from €10,000 to €120,000, along with threats of suspensions and point deductions. Hyundai World Rally Championship star Adrien Fourmaux was the first driver to be punished for breaching the new rules, when he used an expletive during a televised stage-end interview at Rally Sweden in February. Fourmaux was slapped with a €10,000 fine with an additional €20,000 suspended.
Hamilton believes that a union or similar organisation could help to address these issues and ensure that drivers have a greater say in the sport. “If you look at other sports that have unions, that may be something that comes into play at some stage,” he said. “We don’t want to control things. We just want to collaborate with them and have our voices heard.”
The GPDA has long been a unified body, with drivers working together to promote the interests of the sport. However, Hamilton believes that the organisation needs to be given more power to effect change. As Autosport reports, Hamilton’s comments are a clear indication that drivers are seeking a greater role in shaping the sport’s future.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s call for the GPDA to be given more power in F1 is a clear indication that drivers are seeking a greater role in shaping the sport’s future. With the FIA facing criticism for its handling of issues such as swearing, it remains to be seen how the sport will evolve in the coming weeks and months. One thing is certain, however: the GPDA will be playing a key role in shaping the future of F1.
The issue has sparked a wider debate about the role of drivers in F1, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from the FIA. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the GPDA and the FIA work together to address the concerns of drivers and fans alike.
The situation highlights the need for effective communication and collaboration between drivers, the FIA, and the GPDA. With the sport facing a number of challenges, including issues related to safety, sustainability, and competitiveness, it is clear that a more unified and collaborative approach is needed.
By working together, drivers, the FIA, and the GPDA can help to shape a brighter future for F1, one that is characterised by greater transparency, accountability, and collaboration. As Hamilton said, “We don’t want to control things. We just want to collaborate with them and have our voices heard.” This is a sentiment that is likely to be echoed by many in the F1 paddock.
Source link
