Nothing screams “productive meeting” quite like attendees contemplating a swift exit, does it? Welcome to the FIA’s annual Driving Standards Review in Qatar, where apparently some drivers were so enthralled they nearly walked out.
When the Annual Chat Becomes Unbearable
Martin Brundle, professional straight-talker and Sky F1’s voice of reason, dropped a lovely nugget on air. He’d spoken to “one or two people” who seriously considered leaving the meeting. You know it’s going well when escape plans are being formulated.
The gathering was supposed to address those pesky inconsistent penalties that have drivers pulling their hair out. Remember Oscar Piastri’s 10-second penalty in Brazil? The one Carlos Sainz called “unacceptable”? Yeah, that was on the agenda. Thrilling stuff.
Guidelines That Aren’t Really Guidelines
Here’s where it gets properly entertaining. The FIA has these Racing Guidelines, right? A document that’s supposed to help stewards make consistent decisions. Except drivers have worked out how to game the system, penalties still feel random, and everyone’s confused.
The FIA’s response? Pure gold. They called it “a living document” and reminded everyone the guidelines “are guidelines, not regulations.” Brilliant. So they’re suggestions, really. Helpful.
“Data from the past three seasons shows that the DSGs have contributed to greater consistency in stewarding decisions.” – FIA Statement
Greater consistency. Have they been watching the same sport?
The PR Brigade Says Everything’s Fine
Naturally, Oscar Piastri and George Russell, dutiful GPDA members, called the meeting “very productive.” Because what else are they going to say? “Complete waste of time, cheers for asking”?
Brundle defended the stewards, noting they do “fundamentally, a good job” under pressure. Fair enough. Making snap decisions in a few laps isn’t easy. But when drivers are eyeing the exit during the one meeting designed to fix these issues, something’s not quite working.
“I spoke to one or two people who thought about walking out of that meeting last night. Weren’t happy about it. Just thought it was a bit of a waste of time.” – Martin Brundle
Twenty Drivers, Twenty Opinions, Zero Solutions
Brundle nailed it when he said asking 20 drivers will get you 20 different opinions. Always has been, always will be. Which makes you wonder what the point of these meetings actually is.
The FIA releases statements about living documents. Drivers nod politely whilst planning their exits. And come next race weekend, we’ll all be arguing about another baffling penalty decision. Progress, ladies and gentlemen.
Perhaps next year they could save everyone the bother and just send an email?
