FIA accused of being too lenient by departing president with F1 teams' criticism
FIA accused of being too lenient by departing president with F1 teams' criticism
Jean Todt feels the FIA has been "too permissive" with its handling of criticism from the Formula 1 teams and drivers this season.
After 12 years in office as president, Todt delivered a final address at the FIA Gala prize-giving ceremony in Paris on Thursday night, effectively calling on motorsport's governing body to toughen up but also on the teams to improve their behaviour.
Throughout what has been a riveting but at times controversial campaign, the FIA - and race director Michael Masi, in particular - have come in for condemnation over the handling of incidents this year from drivers, teams, and the fans.
Reflecting on the season, Todt, who has been replaced as president by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “Of course, we can always improve but then you need to behave as well.”
Todt then referenced a 10-match ban for Jean-Michel Aulas, the president of Lyon Football Club, for his criticism of a referee after a recent game.
Todt added: “I was reading in the French sport magazine L’Equipe, the president of the Lyon football club - which is one of the most important teams - has been banned for 10 games because he spoke badly about the referee.
“So maybe we [the FIA] are being too permissive.
“On one side, I feel it is important to have a dialogue between the governing body, the teams, the drivers, the commercial rights holders, but it [the criticism] should not be against us.”
Conceding that as an organisation the FIA is "not perfect", one of the final acts of his presidency this week was to propose to the World Motor Sport Council that a detailed analysis and clarification exercise of Sunday's events at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix now be conducted.
Todt felt the widespread chorus of disapproval of the handling of the closing laps of the race at the Yas Marina Circuit by Masi and the stewards had tarnished the image of the governing body and F1.
Reiterating his stance, he added: "It’s why I’ve suggested having a full review to see what needs to be improved in light of what happened, not only at this race but what has happened over the year.
"We need to be perfectionists, and in a way, Formula 1 is a result of perfection. A great driver is not enough, a great car is not enough. Everything has to be combined to be successful."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Ferrari announce DRASTIC change as Verstappen issues dire warning to bosses - GPFans F1 Recap
- 1 hour ago
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
- 3 hours ago
F1 giants announce name change with IMMEDIATE effect
- Yesterday 21:57
Horner admits Red Bull at MAJOR disadvantage with new rules
- Yesterday 20:57
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
- Yesterday 19:57
Sainz manager speaks out on 'game playing' over contract
- Yesterday 18:57
Related news
FIA announce crucial top three UPDATE in China after investigating F1 star
FIA CANCEL important drivers' meeting after huge drama in China
Ecclestone's wife signs letter of SUPPORT for under-fire FIA president
Hamilton hits out at F1 rule change after session wrecked
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860