Drivers are full
FIA President in focus: It is bubbling in Formula 1
04/11/2025 – 4:15 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
The rage of regulation of the World Association and the administration of the FIA boss caused unrest in Formula 1. In addition, there is an engine development debate at the wrong time.
The trouble in the paddock is growing – and does not stop at strange punishments. Williams driver Carlos Sainz had to pay 10,000 euros before the race in Japan because he appeared too late for the national anthem because of a toilet walk.
“It was only five seconds, and then 10,000 euros, that just doesn’t work,” criticized the Spaniard in front of the Grand Prix in Bahrain. The debate is part of a greater dissatisfaction-at the center: the World Automobile Association FIA and its President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The rage of the world association causes a lack of understanding for many drivers. In addition to the hymn penalty, it is primarily sanctions for curse that encounter criticism. Mercedes pilot George Russell, chairman of the driver association, complained that the pilots’ efforts would not be heard at the FIA. Carlos Sainz also questioned what the FIA used for the fines taken.
Ben Sulayem will be expected on the route in Bahrain for the first time this season – the reception should be cool. One of his vice presidents recently resigned and accused the FIA boss bad administration. Shortly before the Bahrain race, Robert Reid’s resignation also caused a sensation. The previous Vice President for Sport said that principles were increasingly disregarded and decisions were made without a say. The FIA rejected the allegations and spoke of “exceptionally solid guidelines”.
Ben Sulayem’s advance brings additional unrest to the future of the engine. The 63-year-old wants to soften the regulation decided for 2026 and instead have a return to ten-cylinder engines checked. The new drive has long been decided: turbo six-cylinder with 50 percent electrical output and sustainable fuel. Audi had decided to get started with Formula 1 because of this formula, Honda now stays on board.
The car manufacturers are already investing high sums in development – the time for a new debate has a correspondingly inappropriate effect. Mercedes, Audi and Honda have already rejected the advance. But Ben Sulayem announced that he would continue to pursue his plans in Bahrain. “We also have to be ahead with future technological trends in motorsport,” he said.
The conflict has long been bubbling behind the scenes. There is a struggle for influence between the FIA president, the teams and the Formula 1 owners Liberty Media. The events related to the race in Bahrain are just another chapter in this ongoing power struggle – an end is not in sight.