The F1 drivers wouldn’t necessarily read the full FIA report to know what happened in Abu Dhabi GP, but they hope it clears out things and is more transparent.
With the FIA World Motor Sport Council set to meet over the F1 Bahrain GP weekend, they are to release the much awaited report regarding the happenings in Abu Dhabi GP. Most of the drivers are looking out for transparency on the matter.
They aren’t to read the whole thing per se, but at least understand what happened and how it is being dealt with in the future. So far, the FIA has already brought in some changes with regards to the safety car rules and also put in a proper structure.
There will be two race directors at different events along with a remote team back at the FIA base. It is to be seen what exactly the report will constitute and how it will be presented to the public. Here’s what the different drivers said:
Verstappen: “I don’t think we need a full report. Of course every year it’s good to discuss about what will happen the year before and what you can do better. That’s what teams do as well, you always analyse everything you do. We’ll find out and of course if things can be written down in an easier way or a way to understand it better, the wording, then for sure. Let’s see.”
Sainz: “I’m obviously interested in seeing what comes out of it and what we have learnt as a sport and what changes are going to be applied to make sure that such a thing doesn’t repeat again. But at the same time, I think as soon as it comes out and as soon as it’s analysed and read by everyone, it’s time to move on. We are in March 2022 and we’re still talking about December 2021. I think as a sport, it’s also time to, whatever comes out of that meeting, learn from it, apply the lessons learnt and move on and never talk about it too much again because if not, we’re just going to spend too much time in the past.”
Leclerc: “I think it is really important to have that transparency and for us to be able to see it. Whether I will read it, I don’t think so, it will probably be too long, but it’s important to at least have the big lines and know what is the conclusion of it in order to grow from it and to maybe manage those situations better in the future.”
Norris: “I mean, I don’t mind seeing them or not. As long as there’s just a good result and a positive result going forward. Then I’ll be happy.”
Schumacher: “I think probably that’s in the past. It’s good to know what came out of the result and analyse it but we have to look to the future and obviously try not to repeat something like that.”
Bottas: “It’s time to move on, but I’m definitely keen to see the full report and all the details and make sure the learnings have been made, that is the main thing.”
Perez: “I agree a thousand percent with this too. I think it would be important to learn from it, but also it will be very important to move on.”
Hamilton: “I think it’s important as a sport that we are transparent. I had a good meeting with Mohammed last night, who agreed that’s the direction we should take as a sport. Looking forward to seeing it come out and for people to know that this sport is transparent and we are learning from what’s happened in the past, and we’ll make improvements moving forwards.”
Russell: “I think it is important that is published as soon as possible. Obviously the events that unfolded in Abu Dhabi were not to the standards that all of us expect, all of us F1 fans, drivers, teams. Clarity is needed. And it’s important that – the issue that we faced it was in the past, we obviously do need to move on – but it can’t just be swept under the carpet. So we need to see the outcome.”
Ocon: “I think it’s quite important that we all understand how it’s going to go forward. Obviously, I’m happy to see that it’s already very clear on track limits, what’s going to be the limit, which is going to be the white line. Of course, we’re going to have an extra meeting tonight to discuss about all that, but yeah, so far, I think there are positive things coming along.”
Hulkenberg: “I think would be interesting to see what’s in it and what was going on. And transparencies is good.”
Albon: “I don’t really have anything else to add. Just same as what these guys says, transparency is good.”
Gasly: “I think we need transparency. And we need clarity, to know what to expect for the future. So what’s done is done. Whether it was the right thing or wrong thing, it’s just important for drivers to know going forward, how these situations are going to be treated. And yeah, to know what to expect. So the sooner we can get this information, the better.”
Stroll: “I think needs to be absolute consistency. Clarity on the rules, what happened was unacceptable. And we need to have consistency everywhere we go.”
Alonso: “No, I don’t think we need to read anything. I mean, it is done. It’s over already and there are many race direction decisions that we can understand and that we cannot understand sometimes and we always move on and this time is no different.”
Aside the discussions about the FIA report, as Hamilton alluded about meeting Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the governing body released its own statement of the meet between the two. It detailed on the donation made by the Brit of the fine he got for missing the Gala.
The 50,000 euros fine will be used for the students from underprivileged backgrounds, which Hamilton already touched upon earlier in the day in Bahrain when asked about him missing the Gala and what will be the repercussions towards it.
“Hamilton shared some of his experiences and findings from the report of the Hamilton Commission, authored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and published last year,” stated the statement from the FIA. “One of the key factors identified upon which commitment to Diversity and Inclusion relies is the implementation of initiatives that are accessible to underrepresented groups.
“The FIA President noted the important foundational work done by the FIA in recent years with projects such as FIA Girls on Track, and commended the commitment shown by Hamilton in projects such as Mission 44 and Ignite. In the spirit of commitment to building a more diverse sport in the future, the FIA President gave his full support to Hamilton’s decision to make a donation of €50,000 that will be used to support a student from a disadvantaged background in achieving an educational qualification in motor sport.
“The FIA and Hamilton will work together with and independent panel and throughout this process. Both the FIA President and Hamilton look forward to further positive steps in this area in 2022 and beyond, with Diversity and Inclusion being made a key priority for the Federation. During the meeting, the circumstances that led to Hamilton’s absence from the 2021 FIA Prize Giving Ceremony were also discussed. Hamilton acknowledged the importance of celebrating the year’s achievements with the prize-winners from across motor sport and the FIA President reminded Hamilton of his obligation of sportsmanship, particularly in view of his status in motor sport.”
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