What on Earth Is Going On with the FIA This Week?
- Ethan
- May 16
- 2 min read
It’s been a chaotic week in F1—not on the track, but behind the scenes. The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons again, and the paddock is buzzing with everything from political shakeups to public frustration from top drivers.
Let’s break it down.
Anthony Hamilton (yes, Lewis’ dad) is joining the FIA in an official role later this year to help steer its Young Driver Development Pathway. That move, while positive, has reignited attention on the strained relationship between Lewis and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem—whose tenure continues to stir controversy.
Carlos Sainz Sr. is seriously considering a run for FIA president, with support from multiple people within the paddock. While some raised conflict-of-interest concerns given his son Carlos Jr. still races in F1, most—including Max Verstappen and George Russell—seem to think he’s professional enough to keep it separate.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has slammed recent FIA decisions, particularly the ongoing drama around driver behaviour and swearing. He called the situation “ridiculous” and “a mess,” echoing the sentiment of many in the sport who feel the FIA’s focus is drifting away from actual racing priorities.
The FIA’s rushed changes to Appendix B of the International Sporting Code, which included reducing fines for offensive language and granting stewards more power to veto penalties, seem to be another flashpoint—especially given how little consultation was involved.
It’s a bit of a circus, and the drivers know it.
Whether Sainz Sr. actually runs or Anthony Hamilton’s new role can signal change, one thing is clear: motorsport’s political theatre is in full swing, and it’s impossible to ignore.
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