F1 is at the beginning of a new hiatus as the season draws to a close. The grid will be quiet until the final triple-header of the season begins at the second race of the month, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, later this month.
However, the drama continues.
News came yesterday that Sauber has confirmed its second driver for next season, selecting former F3 champion Gabriel Bortleto as a candidate to drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg on a “multi-year” contract.
News came today that the current drivers on the grid want to be treated as “adults” by the sport's governing body.
The Grand Prix Drivers Association, which is made up of 20 current F1 drivers, has issued a statement following recent misconduct penalties imposed on two drivers, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, for abusive language at an FIA press conference. . Verstappen was ordered to perform one day of community service after saying his car looked “a little weird” at a press conference before the Singapore Grand Prix.
As for Leclerc, he was fined 10,000 euros after he slipped and said “fuck you” while discussing his near-crash at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
here The letter is in full text:
As in all sports, competitors must abide by the referee's decisions whether they like it or not, and even whether they agree with it or not. That's how sports work. Drivers (members) are no exception and fully understand this.
Our members are professional drivers who race in Formula 1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are gladiators and put on a great show for their fans every race weekend.
When it comes to swearing, there is a difference between swearing aimed at insulting others and more casual swearing, such as those used to describe bad weather, inanimate objects such as Formula 1 cars, or driving situations.
We urge FIA Presidents to also be considerate of their own tone and language when speaking to or about member drivers, whether in public or not. Additionally, because our members are adults, they don't need to be told through the media about little things like wearing jewelry or pants.
The GPDA has expressed its view on numerous occasions that monetary fines for drivers are not appropriate for our sport. For the past three years, we have asked the FIA President to share details and strategy on how FIA fines are allocated and where the funds are spent.
We also raised concerns about the negative image that fines bring to the sport. We once again call on the FIA President to provide financial transparency and direct and open dialogue with us. All stakeholders (FIA, F1, teams, GPDA) must jointly decide where and how funds are spent for the benefit of the sport.
The GPDA will work with all stakeholders, including the FIA President, in a constructive manner to achieve great results for the benefit of all those who engage in, pay for, watch and actually love sport. We want to promote sports. We are doing our part.
thank you,
Director and Chairman of the GPDA, which represents Grand Prix drivers.
including dialogue with the media, SB Nationin Austin ahead of the US Grand Prix, the current director of the GPDA, George Russell, hinted that such a statement could be made. “There was a lot of talk among the drivers about name-calling. It seems a little ridiculous that something like this happened,” Russell began. “So at the moment I haven't talked to the FIA yet, but I hope to talk to them probably next week or in Mexico.
“But overall, we're all on the same page. Well, I think we'll probably read something formal from the drivers to you next week.”
Mr. Russell also previewed the content of today's letter.
“Generally speaking, we don't want to take away the heat and emotion of the moment that the drivers show during the race. I think when it comes to races, it's up to the broadcaster to broadcast or not. It's very difficult for some drivers. If you have a microphone, you're talking to your team during the battle,” Russell said.
“But equally, under these circumstances, perhaps we have an obligation to be conscious of our words.”
The most notable aspect of the letter from the GPDA is undoubtedly its reference to FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem, asking him to “consider your tone and language when speaking about drivers”. The FIA president received some criticism for saying the following in an article regarding the Verstappen incident in Singapore: Interview with auto sport F1 said: “We need to differentiate between our sport of motorsport and rap music.”
“We are not rappers,” the FIA president continued. “How many times a minute do they say the F-word? We don't think about it. That's who they are and that's who we are. [us]”
Ben Sulayem's comments drew criticism from a number of people, including Lewis Hamilton, who said his comments used “stereotypical” language. “It's very stereotypical to say 'rapper.' If you think about it, most rappers are black.” hamilton said. “So saying 'we're not like them' is a poor choice of words. There's a racial element to it.”
The letter from the GPDA also recalls past instances in which the GPDA, led by Ben Suleimen, cracked down on driver behavior. in Preparations for the 1st Miami Grand Prix The FIA has issued a directive banning drivers from wearing jewelry or neck chains during races.
