‘Petty’ FIA delivered warning as drivers ‘chaos’ continues

Former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley has called for the FIA to end its “petty” problems and instead focus on solving its relationship with the drivers. 

Over the last two years, motorsport’s governing body has clamped down on drivers wearing jewellery and swearing. 

Lewis Hamilton made his dissatisfaction with the FIA’s jewellery ban clear, whilst Verstappen was punished with community service for swearing during an official press conference in Singapore.

In Priestley’s eyes, it has triggered “chaos” between the drivers and the FIA with more serious topics needing to be prioritised. 

“It feels like chaos between the FIA and drivers,” Priestley told Casino Uden Rofus.

“There were similar moments back in the Ayrton Senna days, but then people were in danger while racing whereas now, it’s petty things like swearing and jewellery. 

“The FIA need to address other important things, like dealing with how the sport is regulated and permanent stewards, whatever the discussion is, there are so many more important things to address than swearing.”

Whilst the 48-year-old has called for the FIA to focus on more important areas, he has also pointed out that the drivers must stop dictating how F1 is run. 

The grid having somewhere to speak their mind is correct in Priestley’s opinion, but he views the sport’s organisation as having hit a difficult patch.

“On the flip side, the drivers can’t dictate how the company who runs the sport should do things,” added Priestley.

“The drivers should be able to voice their opinions, as should anyone else in F1, but it feels chaotic in how the sport is being run.”