The start of the 2024 Formula 1 championship was overshadowed by controversies involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and allegations against FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The reigning champions, Red Bull, faced scrutiny, which was exacerbated by a BBC report alleging Ben Sulayem’s intervention in a penalty decision during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
A whistleblower claimed that the FIA President attempted to have a penalty for Fernando Alonso overturned.
In response, the FIA stated its compliance officer is examining potential allegations “to ensure that due process is meticulously followed.”
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Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, expressed his disillusionment with the current state of F1.
He remarked on the eve of the Saudi Arabian GP, “As someone who loves the sport, it’s definitely disappointing to see what’s going on right now. It doesn’t look good from the outside world, the outside looking in.
“I think it’s a really, really important time for the sport to really show and stick to its values, holding ourselves accountable for our actions.
“And it’s a really, really pivotal moment, I think, for the sport, in terms of what we project to the world, and how it’s handled.
“And it’s not been handled very well to this point.
“Transparency is really key. And I’m really, really hoping to see some progress moving forwards.
“I hope it’s not a year that continues to go on with this. But it highlights some of the issues we also have within the sport.
“And when we’re talking about diversity, inclusion, that inclusion for example, and making people feel comfortable in this environment, is key.
“And it’s clearly not the case.”
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When asked if this situation reminded him of the ‘Piranha Club’ behavior mentioned by former McLaren team boss Ron Dennis, Hamilton responded ambiguously, indicating the complexity of the issues within F1.
George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate and a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, echoed the call for transparency, emphasizing the desire among drivers to see all facts laid out openly.
This collective sentiment underscores a critical period for Formula 1, highlighting the necessity for integrity, transparency, and adherence to the sport’s core values amidst ongoing controversies.