The contradictions between the FIA and Formula 1 have recently escalated. But when exactly did it start?
The first real flash point came from the ambiguous end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021. Liberty Media, the actual owners of the championship, were dissatisfied with the actions of Michael Masi, the then director of racing. Then, last summer, a new problem emerged. F1 management was unhappy that the approval of the technical regulations for the new generation of engines, which are scheduled to be introduced in 2026, continues to be postponed. But those aren’t the only issues causing the FIA and F1 to clash.
Only one team is willing to support Andretti’s bid
There is no agreement between the FIA and Formula 1 on the arrival of a new team to the championship. The on-again, off-again project of Michael Andretti. The federation appears happy to add an 11th team, especially now General Motors joined the project. Named Andretti Cadillac, the championship and the majority of the team’s reaction were more than restrained to this news.
Foundation from Saudi Arabia
Now added to this is a public spat between the FIA and Formula 1 is the recent publication from Bloomberg, which reported the willingness of the state investment fund of Saudi Arabia to pay $20 billion for the shares of the championship. Allegedly the offer was rejected, but the federation was not left out of the conversation on the subject. FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem commented on the situation directly on his own social media.
Formula 1 lawyers warned the FIA
In turn, the F1 lawyers warned the FIA of exceeding its authority in the matter. We must now wait for further developments, but the contradictions may well become even more acute, which is clearly not good for the sport. Formally, the FIA is responsible for the rules of the championship, oversees their implementation, and ensures the safety of racing, while all commercial issues are the responsibility of Formula One Group.
And although the federation should not interfere in this area, everything is not so simple. According to Auto Motor und Sport, when it comes to the sale of commercial rights, a special clause comes into force, the Don King Clause – after Don King, the famous American boxing promoter. In the formal arrangements between Formula 1 and the FIA, there is a condition that allows the federation to veto any deal that could potentially lead to a change of ownership of the championship.
Mohammed ben Sulayem has again stated publicly,
As the custodians of motorsport, the FIA, as a non-profit organisation, is cautious about alleged inflated price tags of $20bn being put on F1. (1/3)
— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) January 23, 2023
It is likely that the “exchange of courtesies” between the federation and Formula 1 will not end there.
