Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 teams and drivers must sort out differences with the FIA behind closed doors and not “fight” in public as tensions continue to grow.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association released a statement in the weeks after the Brazilian GP criticising Ben Sulayem, urging him to address the drivers “as adults” following a recent focus on clamping down on swearing – which saw Charles Leclerc fined and Max Verstappen handed a community service.
George Russell said ahead of the Las Vegas GP that the drivers were “fed up” with not being listened to, with race director Niels Wittich also replaced by Rui Marques for the final three races.
However, Wolff, who tried to dodge the question while pointing out that he and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur were hauled to the stewards for swearing in the FIA press conference at last year’s Las Vegas GP, said it was important they were all pulling in the same direction.
Asked by Autosport about Ben Sulayem’s governance, Wolff said: “I need to be careful what I say here, because last year, Fred and I were summoned to the stewards. Can we pull the joker here and not respond? Because last year was so bad? No joker?
“We are in such a privileged position in the sport that we attract fans with that, the best demographic if you say so, younger people.
Niels Wittich, Race Director, FIA
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“We race in front of full grandstands and there is a lot of sponsorship and interest and what we need to achieve is that we are all pulling on the same string and handle our joint product carefully.
“I think all stakeholders, bearing in mind those in the decision-making positions, carry responsibility for this sport and we need stability, so this is how I see it.”
Wolff added it is crucial that any grievances the drivers and team bosses have with Ben Sulayem are kept out of the media as it would only exacerbate the situation: “It is critical that we have a voice and handle it with the same carefulness.
“We had a fight in the media the last couple of years and one word was said and another word came as a reply. I don’t think we should be throwing stuff at each other in that way.
“Being in a room and saying what we think is best for the sport is the way [forward]. That is probably where the drivers are coming from.”
Meanwhile, Vasseur conceded it was “odd” that the F1 race director was replaced at this crucial stage of the season.
Wittich was replaced after the Brazil GP, with paddock insiders claiming it was the result of a fallout with Ben Sulayem.
Niels Wittich, Race Director, FIA, talks to Jonathan Wheatley, Team Manager, Red Bull Racing, in the paddock
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Ferrari is 36 points off leaders McLaren in the constructors’ championship and with the crunch point of the season arriving, Vasseur said: “The moment of the decision is a bit of an odd topic for me, now we are near the end of the championship.
“These are the three most difficult races to manage; Vegas last year, Qatar and Abu Dhabi with the championship – the moment is strange for me, but I am not behind the scenes of the discussion of the FIA.”
Alpine boss Oliver Oakes agreed with Vasseur while also pointing out that the GPDA simply want to be listened to.
He said: “I think the drivers want a conversation. They feel a bit un-listened to.
“The only thing I would say is it is not easy for Rui to be put into this situation with three races to go. It is a big job in hand with a championship going on.”
Read the full article here
