Formula 1

FORMULA 1 DRIVERS WENT ON STRIKE

Published

3 years ago

25/01/2020

Aya - Senior writer

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The 1982 South African Grand Prix was the first race of the season and took place on the Kyalami circuit. However, it seemed that the race wouldn’t occur that Sunday. The Formula 1 drivers had decided to go on strike.

Formula 1 drivers went on strike. Led by the famous Niki Lauda, the Formula 1 drivers stayed in the hotel at the time of the race because they absolutely disagreed with the new super-license regulations established by FISA, the International Federation of Motor Sport (a branch of the FIA), the race was about to be postponed.

As a result of the new rules, drivers would no longer be able to negotiate their contract throughout an entire season and would be tied to one team for a longer period. The drivers strongly disagreed and refused to participate in the race to have the new suggested rules removed.

After prolonged negotiations, FISA gave in and the race continued, but immediately after the race weekend, the fines and suspensions fell over the racers involved. Logically, the drivers again were against this, so they were obliged to protest alongside the FIA.

The FIA recognized that the situation was unpleasant. And then openly criticized the actions of FISA and made sure everything was reversed, the fines were canceled or reduced. FISA was then closed a year later when the FIA decided to remodel.

Oh yes, and the South African Grand Prix? It was won by the Renault driver Alain Prost and William’s Carlos Reuteman finished second with his teammate René Arnoux in the third position, although it was not certain that there would be a winner.