Sébastien Ogier, the eight-time World Rally Champion, has taken a defiant stance against the FIA by refusing to engage in stage-end interviews during Rally Chile. This move comes in direct response to the €30,000 suspended fine he received after making critical comments at the Acropolis Rally Greece.
Ogier’s frustration stems from the FIA’s decision to penalize him for his outspoken remarks on hanging dust issues in Greece, where he accused the sport of failing to address persistent problems: “It is annoying to see that the sport never learns. What do you have in your head? Nothing. It’s crazy.” The FIA judged these comments as a violation of their code, specifically targeting words or actions that could harm the FIA’s reputation.
This clampdown on driver expression is not exclusive to rallying. In Formula 1, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently sparked controversy by demanding drivers refrain from swearing on team radio and in press conferences. Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, found himself at odds with the governing body after using profanity during a media session, resulting in a mandate to perform public service.
Taking a page from Verstappen’s playbook, Ogier has limited his responses during stage-end interviews in Chile, effectively using silence as a form of protest. When asked about his lack of commentary, Ogier was unapologetic, making it clear that his silence was a direct message to the FIA.
“We’ve been told that we shouldn’t talk, so I don’t feel like talking today,” Ogier explained. “It’s nothing personal against the media or fans, but we have very few tools we can use, so this is my response.”
Ogier’s protest mirrors the sentiments of 2019 World Rally Champion Ott Tänak, who also kept his comments brief, hinting at the tense atmosphere between drivers and the FIA. “Quite interesting times at the moment,” Tänak remarked cryptically.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala expressed sympathy for the drivers, emphasizing the emotional highs they experience immediately after intense competition. “There’s not many sports where you’re interviewed immediately after the exercise when adrenaline is sky-high,” Latvala said. “We want to present a good image, but it’s not always possible when emotions are involved.”
Ogier hinted that his self-imposed silence might not last the entire weekend, stating, “Hopefully it will come back, yes,” when asked if his media blackout would continue.
The growing discontent among top drivers like Ogier and Verstappen underscores a broader conflict between athletes and the FIA’s tightening grip on their expressions. With tensions simmering, the coming rounds of competition may reveal whether the FIA’s attempts to control driver conduct will backfire, fueling further rebellion among the sport’s elite.
