The Formula 1 paddock has been thrown into disarray as the FIA continues to axe high-profile officials, leaving drivers, teams, and fans alike questioning the stability of motorsport’s governing body. In a bombshell revelation, steward Tim Mayer disclosed that he was fired via text message by an assistant to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a move that has drawn sharp criticism across the grid.
“Mayer Speaks Out: Fired by Text, Left in Shock”
Mayer, who also serves as the sporting organizer for the three U.S. Grands Prix, expressed disbelief at his abrupt dismissal. His firing comes amidst the contentious removal of Formula 1 deputy race director Janette Tan, compounding concerns about the FIA’s internal management.
“After 15 years of volunteering my time as a steward, a decade teaching other stewards, and hundreds of hours volunteering in other roles, I got a text from one of his assistants,” Mayer told the BBC. “I’m incredulous. They’re not doing themselves any favors. They are literally running out of people to do these jobs.”
“Drivers Demand Answers”
The sudden shake-ups have left drivers fuming. George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), voiced concerns after a drivers’ meeting in Qatar.
“Just when we’ve asked for transparency and consistency, we’re getting rid of two highly important people in the governing body,” Russell remarked. “We still don’t have any reasoning for [former race director] Niels Wittich’s removal. The first I heard about Tim leaving was through the media. Who’s getting fired next?”
Russell’s comments highlight growing frustration among drivers, who are increasingly in the dark about the FIA’s decision-making processes.
“New Race Director Under Pressure”
With Tan’s exit and Wittich’s mysterious removal ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, newly-appointed race director Rui Marques has been thrust into an overwhelming position. Marques now oversees both Formula 1 and Formula 2 duties this weekend in Qatar.
While Marques was praised for his handling of the chaotic Las Vegas GP, the increased workload has sparked concerns. Mayer warned of the intense demands on top-tier race officials:
“There aren’t a lot of ‘platinum-level’ FIA race directors, which is the FIA’s highest-level certification. Marques is under incredible pressure.”
“FIA Defends Its Decisions Amid Growing Scrutiny”
An FIA spokesperson downplayed the departures, emphasizing the role of the new Remote Operations Center in Geneva, which is designed to support race control. The governing body insists this innovation has made the race director’s job “less onerous.”
“The race director is now free to focus entirely on race management without being burdened by peripheral duties,” the spokesperson stated.
The FIA also pointed to its high-performance program, which aims to train future race directors and stewards to fill the growing void.
“Drivers Split on Marques’ Performance”
Despite the turmoil, drivers offered a mixed yet cautiously optimistic outlook on Marques. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc applauded his willingness to engage with drivers:
“The first race [in Las Vegas] has gone really well. He’s been super open-minded, listening to us drivers and doing things in the right way.”
However, questions remain about whether one individual can manage the monumental workload across multiple categories.
“Constructors’ Title Showdown Overshadowed by FIA Chaos”
As McLaren and Ferrari battle for the Constructors’ Championship with two races left, the FIA’s internal chaos has stolen the spotlight. Teams and drivers are left wondering whether this instability will impact the fairness and consistency of race officiating in the season’s crucial final stages.
With the FIA’s credibility under the microscope, the motorsport world waits for clarity and stability. But as the cracks widen, one can’t help but ask: Is Formula 1’s governing body steering into its own gravel trap?
