The GPDA Demands Changes: Transparency in Fines and Respect for Drivers in the Debate with the FIA

After the Brazilian Grand Prix, Formula 1 enters a three-week break before the final three races of the season. During the first day of this break, the Formula 1 Drivers' Association (GPDA) launched an official account on Instagram, with the aim of promoting safety, justice and fair treatment towards drivers.

The creation of this account occurs in a context of particularly controversial decisions by the FIA, many of which have been described as unfair and even unnecessary. In particular, the Formula 1 Drivers' Association (GPDA) expresses its concern about the recent sanctions imposed on drivers for the use of "bad words" in press conferences. Examples of this include the case of Max Verstappen, penalized with community service after the Singapore Grand Prix, and that of Charles Leclerc, fined 10,000 euros after the Mexican Grand Prix.

Through its official account, the GPDA has issued a forceful statement addressed to the FIA, in which several key points stand out on issues of concern for the drivers.

Official statement

Photo: GPDA Instagram 

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The disagreement with the recent decisions taken by the FIA, particularly in relation to the sanctions imposed on drivers for the use of "bad words". In their statement, they emphasize the importance of distinguishing between disrespectful comments towards people and strong expressions directed at objects or situations specific to the race. They highlight that, in all cases, the pilots' expressions are directed at moments of tension and frustration experienced in competition, and not at specific people.

One of the points of greatest impact in the GPDA statement is the request addressed to the president of the FIA. The pilots express that he should also consider his tone and language when addressing association members and even when speaking about them publicly. They point out that, on several occasions, they feel that they are not treated appropriately and emphasize that, as professional adults, they do not need explanations or childish treatment.

Furthermore, the GPDA reveals that, over the last three years, drivers have consistently requested that the FIA ​​President share the criteria and details that are considered when imposing monetary sanctions. In addition, they have asked for clarity about the destination of these funds, demanding to know what the money collected through these fines is used for. However, this request has remained unanswered, generating even more concern among pilots about transparency in the federation's management.

“We have transmitted our concerns about the negative image financial fines bring to the sport. Once again, we request that the FIA ​​President provide financial transparency and direct and open dialogue with us. All interested parties (FIA, F1, teams and GPDA) must jointly determine how and where money is spent for the benefit of our sport”, Expresses the GPDA.

With all this, the goal of the GPDA is to ensure that decisions in sport are made fairly and equitably. The association is ready to collaborate with the FIA ​​Presidency and all its parties to ensure that resolutions are made appropriately. They aspire for the drivers to be listened to, respected and treated with the seriousness and maturity they deserve, promoting that the FIA, despite its power advantage, acts in a fair and transparent manner, as befits an international federation.