The Siege of the FIA

Joe Saward unpacks the drama around the latest FIA public disaster 

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**Navigating the Drama and Controversy Surrounding the FIA's Recent Actions**

* **The FIA's Controversial Actions:**

* The FIA's recent actions have been a source of controversy and drama within the Formula One community.
* Allegations of inappropriate links between FOM members and team principals, particularly targeting the Wolff family, have surfaced.
* The FIA's investigation into these allegations and the subsequent response from the accused parties have created a media frenzy.

* **FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's Role:**

* Ben Sulayem's leadership has been under scrutiny due to his involvement in these controversies.
* His public statements and actions have drawn criticism from F1 teams, drivers, and fans.
* Ben Sulayem's handling of the situation has raised questions about his suitability as FIA president.

* **The FIA's Financial Reliance on Formula One:**

* The FIA receives a significant portion of its income from Formula One, estimated to be over 60% of its total revenue.
* This financial dependence creates a delicate balance between the FIA and FOM, as the teams and Liberty Media hold considerable power.
* The potential loss of income from Formula One could have severe consequences for the FIA's operations.

* **The Possibility of a Breakaway Series:**

* The ongoing tensions between the FIA and FOM have led to discussions about the possibility of a breakaway series.
* FOM, backed by the teams, could potentially create a new championship independent of the FIA.
* Such a breakaway series would face significant challenges, including the need for a new set of regulations and the loss of the "FIA Formula One World Championship" title.

* **The FIA's Limited Options:**

* The FIA's options in response to a breakaway series are limited due to its financial dependence on Formula One.
* Without the support of the teams and FOM, the FIA would struggle to create a competing championship.
* The FIA's best course of action may be to resolve the current controversies and maintain its relationship with Formula One.

* **The Importance of Resolving the Conflict:**

* The ongoing conflict between the FIA and FOM is damaging the reputation of both organizations and Formula One as a whole.
* A resolution is crucial to ensure the long-term stability and success of the sport.
* Both parties need to find common ground and work together to address the underlying issues. # FIA's Public Disaster: A Breakdown

**FIA and Formula One Dispute:**

- A power struggle between the FIA and Formula One teams has emerged, potentially leading to a breakaway.

- Some believe that the FIA's control over marshalling, race control, and track contracts makes a breakaway infeasible.

- Anti-competitive issues may arise if the FIA restricts tracks from working with other championships.

- The FIA's financial dependence on Formula One makes a split potentially disastrous for the organization.

**FIA President's Actions and Consequences:**

- Joe Saward criticizes the FIA president's actions as illogical and detrimental to the sport's stability.

- Saward believes that the FIA president's decisions could lead to an overthrow or uprising within the organization.

- The FIA's reputation and credibility are at stake due to the president's controversial actions.

- Good people working within the FIA may leave due to the negative publicity and association with the president's behavior.

**Spanish Grand Prix and Madrid Circuit:**

- The Spanish Grand Prix at the Catalunya circuit may be coming to an end due to various issues.

- The Madrid circuit, proposed as a replacement, is facing criticism for its street circuit design.

- Saward defends the Madrid circuit, highlighting its unique features and potential for exciting racing.

- He believes that the negative reactions to the circuit are based on a lack of understanding and misinformation.

**FIA's Sprint Races and Fan Response:**

- Saward criticizes the FIA's decision to drop sprint races, which were well-received by fans.

- He emphasizes the importance of fan engagement and the need for positive changes in the sport.

- Saward acknowledges that negative fan reactions are often prevalent on social media platforms.

**Street Circuits and Joe Saward's Stance:**

- Saward expresses his willingness to promote street circuits if offered incentives by the promoters.

- He believes that street circuits can be enjoyable and exciting if designed properly.

- Saward encourages promoters to invite him to street circuits in exchange for positive coverage.

**FIA President's Position and Future:**

- Saward believes that the FIA president's position is not untenable, but he needs to change his approach.

- If the president continues his current course of action, the situation could quickly deteriorate.

- Saward hopes that the president will recognize the need for a change in strategy.

**Lewis Hamilton's Statement:**

- Lewis Hamilton criticizes the FIA for questioning the integrity of Suzy Wolf, a respected female leader in motorsport.

- Hamilton emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sport and calls for a change in the FIA's leadership.

- Saward believes that the FIA president needs to address these concerns and improve the organization's image.