The drivers want to change the functioning of F1
It is rare for drivers to truly express the bottom of their thoughts. Therefore, it has even more impact when they do, as the GPDA has just done regarding the operation of F1.
F1 drivers are increasingly muzzled in their public statements by team communication officials in order not to transgress the sacred commercial agreements and not to upset the sponsors.
But the drivers still have their own association, the GPDA, which aims to promote the drivers’ opinions on various subjects concerning the sport. However, this organization has no legislative or even consultative power, as the F1 Commission or the Strategic Group do not consult it on decisions made, such as the recent controversy surrounding the qualifying format.
The statement released by the association through its Twitter account is all the more impactful: « The drivers have concluded that the decision-making process is outdated and poorly designed, preventing progress from being made. Indeed, it can lead precisely to the opposite: the status quo. This has a negative impact on our sport and prevents it from meeting the expectations of the next generation of fans, compromising future global growth. »
The drivers, led by Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, and Alexander Wurz, are therefore demanding a fundamental reform of the functioning of F1. They are calling for what many observers have been asking for, namely a long-term strategic vision: « We would like to ask and urge the owners and all stakeholders in Formula 1 to consider a restructuring of their own governance. The future directions and decisions of F1, whether short or long term, sporting, technical, or commercial, should adhere to a clear project. Such a plan should reflect the fundamental principles and values of Formula 1. »
But with a pension fund as the principal shareholder, such a demand for a long-term vision does not align with the short-term return requirements that this type of institution demands from their financial investments.
In order to better convey their message, the drivers concluded their letter by making it known that they were speaking publicly for the good of their sport: « It is important to state that this open letter has the best intentions and is not meant to be a blind and disrespectful attack. Thank you for your attention and for giving us the freedom to express our thoughts in words. »
We will see if this freedom will be reflected in reality in the coming months…
With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr
