Controversial Regulations: The FIA and its Control Agenda in Formula 1
Since the Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA has become one of the biggest sources of controversy on social media and among motorsport fans. The episode with Max Verstappen, sanctioned with "community work" for using "inappropriate" words, has generated discomfort in the community. However, it is not the first time that the federation has made decisions perceived as excessive. These respond to the role of the FIA as a guarantee of the "integrity of motor sport", responsible for both the competitive and operational management of the discipline.
This balance involves ensuring the well-being of athletes, protecting commercial interests and caring for public perception. However, a crucial question arises: to what extent do these regulations end up censoring athletes?
Photo: PlanetF1
These regulations in many cases have gone beyond levels, reaching the point where pilots cannot use accessories, have to wear a specific type of underwear, cannot defend or support causes and have to change the way they express themselves. Reason why they end up crossing the line between sportsmanship and censure.
In 2022, during the Miami Grand Prix, the FIA introduced two new regulations. The first establishes that drivers and co-drivers must wear the mandatory clothing and, additionally, they can only wear long underwear that complies with FIA standard 8856-2018. Those who do not respect this directive must meet with the governing members of the federation. The second rule prohibits the wearing of jewelry, such as body piercings or metal neck chains, during the competition. This measure generated controversy, especially due to the reaction of Lewis Hamilton, a defender of personal freedoms and recognized fashion icon on and off the track. Hamilton called the jewelry ban a "step backwards," underscoring his disagreement with these restrictions.
Photo: Sport
Last season, the FIA imposed a ban on political, religious or personal statements, limiting drivers from using race weekends to promote causes unless previously approved by the governing body. These expressions were prohibited in press conferences, on-track activities and during pre- and post-race procedures, such as the podium ceremony or moments in the cooling rooms.
"I feel like sport has a responsibility to talk and raise awareness about certain issues, particularly when we travel to all these places, so nothing changes for me," said Lewis Hamilton, recognized for using his platform to promote racial equality, advocacy of the environment, LGBTQ+ representation and the freedom of oppressed communities, among other topics.
The measure was not only criticized by Hamilton, but also by other drivers on the grid. Lando Norris compared the ban to "being treated like school children", while George Russell suggested it was an attempt to keep drivers "in a box" and limit their influence beyond the circuit.
For its part, the FIA defended that the ban seeks to maintain the focus on racing and entertainment, avoiding diverting attention to political issues. Mohammad Ben Sulayem, president of the body, fully supported the measure.
Despite these restrictions, the FIA's position has been pointed out as hypocritical. A clear example is the appearance of deeply controversial political figures, such as Donald Trump, during the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, where he was a special guest of the president of the federation. This situation suggests that the restrictions are not applied uniformly, implying that their purpose is to silence pilots only, while governing bodies appear exempt from these limitations. This calls into question the coherence of the regulations and the true interests behind the FIA's decisions.
Photo: Red bull racing
This season, as has become customary in recent years, another chapter opens in this story. The situation with Max Verstappen at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he used words considered inappropriate, once again calls into question the federation's handling of the bans. The FIA president justified the sanction imposed on Verstappen by referring to an updated definition of "misconduct" in the International Sports Code, arguing that he seeks a "more polished image" of the sport.
This episode sparked intense discussions and discontent among fans and pilots. Lewis Hamilton called the penalty “a little joke” while other drivers, such as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, also pointed out that the use of bad words in moments of high pressure is a natural part of such a demanding sport. For his part, Fernando Alonso highlighted a crucial aspect: requiring such strict linguistic standards from drivers could detract from the authenticity that fans expect from the sport.
Among fans, these bans have been described as an act of censorship that prevents drivers from expressing themselves naturally and showing their true personality. This situation has generated a great impact, since many believe that the silencing of the drivers subtracts an essential part of the sport and the emotion of Formula 1. The way in which the drivers express themselves and communicate on the radios are an attraction that enriches the audience's experience, and its restriction could strip the sport of that vibrant and authentic element.