The FIA has yet to respond to the united stance of the Grand Prix Drivers Association. The union of Formula 1 drivers issued a statement in early November in which they defended Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, after the drivers were penalized for their language. Hamilton warns the FIA that the GPDA definitely wants a response.
In early November, the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) issued an official statement indirectly defending Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. The two drivers had previously been penalized by the FIA for using profanity during official FIA press conferences. For instance, Verstappen said ‘fucked’ during the Grand Prix weekend in Singapore, while Leclerc used the same word when asked what he thought as he nearly drove his Ferrari into the wall in the final turn in Mexico.
“There is a difference between swearing with the intention of insulting others and general swearing, which you use to describe bad weather, or indeed an object such as a Formula 1 car, or a circumstance while driving,” the statement read. The union also opposed the FIA’s strict policy on jewelry and underwear.
No Response from FIA Yet
GPDA Chairman George Russell reveals in the run-up to the Las Vegas Grand Prix that the FIA has not yet responded to the statement. Lewis Hamilton now shares what the next step for the GPDA is if the FIA does not respond soon. “If we don’t get an answer, I’m sure we’ll pursue them,” says the seven-time world champion to the international media.
“I know they have a lot on their plate right now, but I think it just shows that the drivers are more united than ever, something you might not have always seen in the past,” the Brit continues. According to Hamilton, the aim of the statement is for the drivers and the FIA to work more closely together. “There are a number of things that need to be addressed and the FIA needs to work better with us. We want the sport to continue to thrive and improve.”
