Lewis Hamilton critiques Formula 1’s governance structure
Lewis Hamilton has launched a scathing attack on Formula 1’s decision-making structure, declaring that drivers are effectively powerless when it comes to shaping the sport’s regulations, reports BritPanorama.
Speaking at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, where he finished sixth, the seven-time world champion dismissed any notion that competitors could meaningfully influence rule changes. “The drivers don’t have a say,” Hamilton stated. “We have no power. We’re not on the committee; we have no voting rights.”
His remarks came amid mounting frustration over F1’s new power unit regulations, with criticism intensifying after Ollie Bearman’s crash during the race at Suzuka highlighted the dangers created by significant speed differentials between cars. Carlos Sainz echoed Hamilton’s frustrations, identifying the governance structure as the core issue behind dangerous racing conditions.
Sainz argued that Bearman’s collision with Franco Colapinto’s Alpine exemplified the consequences of excluding competitors from meaningful consultation. “That’s the problem when you listen only to the teams, that they will think the racing is OK because maybe they’re having fun watching it on the TV,” he said, underscoring how the 50km/h speed differential was a direct result of the new regulations and their energy management demands.
The Spaniard further explained why such dramatic speed variations are unacceptable on track, stating, “But from a driver standpoint, when you are racing each other, and you realise that there can be 50km/h speed delta, that’s actually not racing.” He cautioned that no other motorsport category permits such extreme closing speeds between vehicles, warning that these conditions inevitably lead to serious incidents.
Sainz urged the FIA to prioritise driver feedback over team preferences when considering regulatory amendments. In response to Sunday’s incident, the FIA issued a statement reaffirming its intention to discuss potential rule modifications with relevant parties in the coming weeks.
Bearman emerged from the collision without serious injuries, while Haas confirmed they do not hold Colapinto responsible for the accident. Sainz expressed hope that governing body officials would implement improvements ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, calling for both immediate adjustments and longer-term solutions. “[I hope] they come up with a plan for Miami that improves the situation, and a plan also for the medium-term future of these regulations to keep improving it,” he remarked.
The FIA is scheduled to hold crucial meetings in the coming days to address the power unit concerns. In a sport characterised by rapid change and fierce competition, it remains to be seen whether these discussions will yield meaningful reforms that enhance safety and fairness on the grid.
