Formula 1: FIA president asks nonsensical question after legitimate suggestion

As a seasoned Formula 1 fan with decades of racing passion under my belt, I must say that I find myself somewhat perplexed by Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s stance on permanent stewards. Having witnessed the inconsistencies and unpredictability of race outcomes due to differing interpretations of rules, I can’t help but feel a pang of frustration at the prospect of missed opportunities for improvement.

The question “Who will pay for them?” is a valid one, but it’s also akin to asking “Who will clean the track after the race?” or “Who will design the cars that zip around at breakneck speeds?” The answer lies within the FIA and its members, who have the resources and the responsibility to invest in the future of this exhilarating sport.

In jest, I’d like to say that if we can find money for fancy pit-lane trucks and luxurious hospitality suites, surely we can find a few coins to ensure consistent stewarding decisions! After all, consistency is the unsung hero that keeps our hearts racing on the edge of our seats week after week. Let’s not overlook its importance in favor of temporary financial concerns.

The presidency of Mohammed Ben Sulayem with the FIA hasn’t run quite as expected by many. Since assuming the role from Jean Todt at the end of 2021, he’s found himself in several disputes concerning his leadership style.

In the past few months, the President of the UAE has faced intense public scrutiny, which seemed to have annoyed him in October. According to Sulayem, his efforts are more than adequate, but he feels that he’s not receiving enough recognition from the public. However, there remains a significant issue: the president appears to be dismissing several crucial matters related to Formula 1.

Approaching the 2025 season, a strong consensus favors the establishment of permanent race stewards, even echoed by Sulayem himself. However, the FIA President remains somewhat skeptical about this concept, despite its rationality.

Sulayem asks, “Who will pay for them?”

Although hiring permanent stewards might involve extra expenses for the FIA, the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. The primary challenge that Formula 1 encounters at present is the inconsistency in handling on-track incidents.

In various situations, different officials might interpret differently who was leading at a critical point during a pass at a turn, or what the suitable punishment ought to be following a minor crash.

Having a consistent set of stewards for each racing weekend could enhance decision-making and penalty assessments, as it would reduce variations in judgement. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association endorses this concept, aiming for more uniformity in the steward’s decisions.

Instead of questioning where the funding might originate, Sulayem would be better off determining that during his discussions with other important members within the FIA. His concerns are reasonable considering the commercial nature of Formula 1. However, it’s crucial to prioritize the potential benefits for the sport when working as Formula 1’s governing body.

2025-01-03 14:32