British journalist reflects on potential F1/FIA Split amid "very tense relations"

British journalist reflects on potential F1/FIA Split amid “very tense relations”. It's a delicate period in the relationship between the FIA and Formula 1.

It’s a delicate period in the relationship between the FIA and Formula 1. The latter seems to be tired of the continuous mishaps and mistakes of the Paris-based organization, as well as its traditionalist approach. The pinnacle of motorsport is riding high with full grandstands, social media interactions, and races in dazzling locations.

On the other hand, the Federation lags behind and cannot keep up with the same pace. The last straw was the series of questionable decisions, with stewards changing their minds from week to week and penalties assigned in absurd conditions, as seen in the case of Carlos Sainz at the Las Vegas GP.

Joe Saward, a “veteran” of the F1 paddock, who posted a recent article on his blog, suggests and supports these hypotheses: “Relations are at their lowest since 1980. The situation is unpleasant, especially for the FIA, which believes itself powerful but is walking in dangerous territory. There is doubt about whether it is better for Formula 1 to continue on its own rather than paying large sums of money for an organization from which it does not benefit.” – he pointed out.

The expert then states that this rupture is generated by the fact that the FIA does not focus on the right issues: they choose to penalize trivial matters, profanity in press conferences, and the jewelry of the drivers, rather than focusing on on-track actions. “Last week, the French organization acted like a Victorian-era babysitter when it scolded Toto Wolff and Fred Vasseur for using the word ‘Fuck’ in the Las Vegas GP press conference. This is absurd, as if the FIA has lost touch with reality because it cannot be argued that they caused ‘harm or moral loss.’ If they had used the word against an official of the Federation, their position would have been more credible, although I still don’t understand what morality has to do with it. They could have hurt feelings, but, on the other hand, the comment could have been accurate given recent behavior in Paris. Part of the current success of Formula 1 comes from the Drive to Survive series, where these expressions are portrayed as normal, it’s how people talk. Would Gunther Steiner be as famous if he had used ‘by Jove’ as an interjection?” – Joe Saward asked.