Mohammed Ben Sulayem open to the idea of permanent stewards in Formula 1
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, supports the idea of having permanent stewards in Formula 1, but emphasizes that the real issue is figuring out who will pay for them.
Debates over certain decisions by officials this year have sparked criticism over a lack of consistency. This has reignited questions about the possibility of professionalizing officials in F1, such as race stewards.
George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), recently suggested that it was time to rethink the current system, based on a rotation of volunteers.
« When decisions rely on interpretations and when it comes to consistency, one can argue that with the same commissioners present each week, consistency would be better, as they would interpret things the same way, and the drivers would understand exactly what is expected of them in a given situation », he said.
« So, I think, once again, this is a personal opinion, not on behalf of the drivers, but a personal opinion: we have reached a point in this sport where we need a full-time professional steward, with a real salary. »
Mohammed Ben Sulayem rather in favor of
Mohammed Ben Sulayem acknowledges that the implementation of permanent commissioners could offer advantages. However, he emphasizes that the main issue lies in funding their salaries, as this additional expense is not something that the FIA can afford to cover alone.
« It’s a great idea,” he stated to Autosport regarding the calls for change. « But when they talk about professionals, and they want professionals, they don’t want to pay for it. It’s so obvious. »
« They talk, then they ask: ‘Where do you put the money? Why don’t we do this?’ But I don’t reply: ‘Oh, excuse me, what about you?’ The drivers earn more than 100 million dollars. Do I ask them where they spend that money? No, it’s their right. »
« So, please, it’s not just me saying it’s none of their business. We do what we want with our money, it’s our business. And it’s the same for them: their money is their business. »
But sometimes, I don’t really understand. It’s always the FIA that’s blamed: why do we do this? Why do we do that? But has anyone gone to see the FOM? the president wonders.
A significant investment
Mohammed Ben Sulayem continued by explaining that the necessary investment to train the marshals must be taken into account. “I repeat it over and over again: marshals don’t grow on trees,” he stated. “It takes time to educate them, to train them. And then, we have them evolve, so we have a program.”
« I understand the point of view that they could be paid, like Premier League referees. But we don’t have the money to do that. So we have to be very careful about the direction we take. As long as they are committed, fair, and properly trained, then there will be commissioners who come and go. »
The question of funding for permanent commissioners is acknowledged by influential figures in the sport. A team director suggested that it might be time to rethink business realities. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the FIA, he stated to Autosport.
« It seems like an area of work shared between the FOM and the FIA. If the FOM writes a check to the FIA, but the contract stipulates ‘part-time stewards’ and F1 wants something different, that involves an additional cost. That means F1, i.e., the teams, would have to pay for it. So, if that’s what we purchased and we want to change, then I think we have to pay for it. »
