Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has blasted the governing body of Formula 1, the FIA, after they took a U-turn regarding the driver swearing over radio penalties. The Ferrari driver’s father, Anthony Hamilton, will now work closely with the FIA to take care of their young driver programme.
FIA president Ben Sulayem last year proposed a new plan to fine Formula 1 drivers if they swear over the radio during races or publicly anywhere around the paddock. The Penalty was huge as the driver had to pay 10,000 euros. After facing severe backlash, they have now taken a U-turn and reduced the penalty by 50%.
The Stewards are also given more freedom to penalise the drivers with an option of giving a first-time warning. The high-octane race sometimes brings anger to the F1 drivers if something doesnt go their way. They will then vent out their frustration by swearing over the team radio, and while broadcasting, it was beeped.
The FIA wants to end this as children and families could be watching the race, and it sets a bad example for the sport. Drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc served penalties last year. But this makes the race more artificial, and it takes away the real self of the drivers who are passionate about racing.
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Lewis and Anthony at FIA
Lewis Hamilton called the decision ridiculous and a mess. He said, “It is ridiculous. I don't really know. Nothing I say is going to make any difference to it. It seems a bit of a mess there at the moment. There are lots of changes that are needed, for sure. But it doesn't really affect me. I don't see what's happened since then.”
Director of Grand Prix drivers’ association George Russell also slammed the FIA for their reversal and felt it shouldn't have been implemented in the first place. He also wanted more conversations between the GPDA and the FIA before any decisions.
But on the other side, FIA is set to give Anthony Hamilton a new role, and he will work closely with President Mohammad Ben Sulayem. To take care of the grassroots level and safe pathway to bring young drivers into Formula 1, Anthony Hamilton will take care of those drivers. So, as son Lewis Hamilton is lashing out at the FIA, father Hamilton will take a new role in the governing body. Another hot burning news was that Carlos Sainz Jr.'s father, the senior, is set to contest for the FIA president role this year.
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