F1 Stars Demand Answers as FIA Stays Unresponsive

Leclerc Slams FIA Silence on F1 Drivers’ Open Letter

F1 drivers, led by Charles Leclerc, urge the FIA for accountability, transparency, and fairness, citing frustration over ongoing silence.

The FIA has yet to respond to the letter sent by the Formula 1 Drivers’ Association, the GPDA.

Earlier in November, frustrated by Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s crackdown on coarse remarks, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association issued a statement urging the FIA president to “also reflect on his own tone and language.”

“Our members are adults. They don’t need to be instructed through the media on trivial matters like wearing jewelry and underwear.”

The letter also requested Ben Sulayem to explain “where the fines are spent” when drivers are penalized by the FIA.

Two weeks after the statement’s release, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was asked about the matter in Las Vegas, particularly on the pressing issue of driving standards and guidelines in F1.

“We are reasonable enough to understand when we break the rules. On track, it’s important to have a judge who assesses situations impartially.”

As for the request on how the FIA spends the fines collected from drivers, Leclerc added: “We’re not asking for everything, just a bit of common sense and a bit more transparency about where the money from fines goes.”

“So far, we’ve received no response.”

George Russell confirmed this, admitting it was why the letter was made public.

“We’ve probably learned from the past that whenever we spoke up internally, it led to nothing. And as drivers, we only want the best for the sport. We want to improve it, especially regarding safety, but when it comes to race decisions, we just want to help.”

“And it’s now been two years where little has changed when we’ve shared our input. I guess we all wanted to show we’re united. And maybe this will show how serious we all are about the issue.”