A notable absence of drivers at a pivotal FIA meeting underscores a growing chasm between the racers and the governing body.
MEETING OF MINDS OR MISSED OPPORTUNITY?
When Gary Connelly, a high-ranking FIA steward and member of the World Motor Sport Council, extended an invitation for a Mexican meeting on Thursday, he hoped to address a plethora of issues that have been the talk of the paddock. From questionable penalties and the endless debate on track limits to the tyre troubles in Qatar and the staggering EUR 1 million fines, the list was extensive.
Yet, when the time came, the meeting room saw more empty chairs than occupied ones. Less than half of the Formula 1 drivers chose to attend, sending a silent yet powerful message of discontent or nonchalance.
“WE WANT TO BE INVOLVED!”: DRIVERS HAD SPOKEN OUT
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, representing the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), shared his thoughts on the matter some weeks earlier. “As the GPDA we hope that the collaboration starts getting better,” he expressed.
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen had echoed the need for improved collaboration. “I think we really do need to communicate better, we need to work together as a group,” he said, adding, “The drivers are an integral part of the sport. We drive the cars, we take the risks, so we want to be involved.”
EMPTY CHAIRS ARE A MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR
The meeting, intended as a platform for dialogue and resolution, turned out to be a stark visual of the prevailing discord. Andreas Haupt, a correspondent for Auto Motor und Sport, revealed the striking attendance figures: “More than half didn’t go. Only eight of the 20 drivers actually showed up to discuss things.”
The sparse attendance at the meeting, which was attended by 8 drivers and the teams’ sporting directors, speaks volumes about discontent on one hand, but perhaps also that the drivers are better at talking to the media than they are behind closed doors.
