Alexander Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, reveals that the drivers had to learn about stricter penalties for misconduct through the media. The FIA announced the new penalty guidelines in January, without prior consultation with the drivers on the current F1 grid.
The FIA announced in January that it will impose stricter penalties for ‘misconduct’, including foul language, from the 2025 season onwards. Under the new penalty guidelines, a driver even risks suspension and World Championship points deduction for repeated violations. Alexander Wurz, along with George Russell, heads the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, and reveals that the drivers had to learn about the stricter penalties through the media.
“No, there was no consultation,” Wurz tells various media. “We had to read it through the media. There could be room for improvement that we work out these things together. If there is a comparison with, for example, the NFL in America, they do have a union for NFL players and they are involved in the process. In this case, we are not involved.”
‘Hoping for Few Fines’
Wurz, a former Formula 1 driver for Williams and McLaren among others, also believes that the FIA has not consulted with many parties internally. “I’m not sure if the FIA involved their own drivers’ committee. I don’t know anything about that. Let’s hope there aren’t many fines being imposed.”
