“Mohammed Ben Sulayem is like a dictator”: F1 drivers are ready to raise their voices. The FIA and Formula 1 are officially on the brink of a clash.

The FIA and Formula 1 are officially on the brink of a clash. After numerous disputes in recent seasons over minor issues like swearing or jewelry, yesterday came the straw that broke the camel’s back: Mohammed Ben Sulayem has approved stricter regulations to limit the drivers’ voices. Starting this year, anyone caught swearing, insulting the Federation or its members, or using races to deliver political messages will face hefty fines, escalating to one-month bans and point deductions from both Championships.

These regulations make the FIA an untouchable entity, and unsurprisingly, the paddock has not taken it well. As of now, the GPDA has not released an official statement, but one driver reportedly told the BBC that “Mohammed Ben Sulayem acts like a dictator.” The same outlet learned that the vote on these measures occurred without prior consultation with drivers, whether from Formula 1 or other categories. *The Race* even reported that Stefano Domenicali voted against the regulation, underscoring the tense relationship between the FIA and FOM, which had already been strained following the open letter from drivers ahead of Las Vegas, a letter that received no response.

The FIA’s explanation
A spokesperson for the Paris-based organization stated that these decisions aim to “improve transparency and consistency in decision-making. The purpose of this appendix is to guide stewards regarding penalties for specific infractions. This ensures that punishments are applied equally, benefiting both stewards and drivers. We emphasize that these are merely guidelines, and stewards remain free to impose sanctions they deem most appropriate.” Essentially, this is an attempt to spin the narrative in their favor, presenting themselves as compliant individuals eager to address a known issue.

The GPDA will likely not remain silent, given the growing discontent. For example, Ayao Komatsu, Haas’ team principal, said in a recent interview: “How do I evaluate the FIA? Don’t headline this as ‘Ayao Komatsu thinks it’s a mess,’ but that’s what everyone thinks. It’s what everyone experiences.”

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