Source: USA TODAY Sports/Gary A. Vasquez
[Saba Sports News] In recent years, some controversies surrounding F1 penalties have sparked criticism over a lack of consistency, reigniting discussions about whether to abolish the current rotation system in favor of fixed arbitration. George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), stated that if F1 arbitration could remain consistent weekly, their penalty decisions would be more uniform, and drivers would have a clearer understanding of the penalties they might face in specific situations. In response, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the call for “full-time F1 arbitration” in an interview. Sulayem acknowledged that “full-time arbitration” does have its advantages, but the key issue lies in the source of their salaries, as the FIA cannot bear this additional cost on its own. He emphasized that the arbitration team does not just appear out of nowhere; it takes time to train them, and the system needs to continuously evolve and improve, requiring a comprehensive training plan. Some fans noted that the Formula 1 Management has already issued a check to the FIA, specifying “part-time arbitration” in the scope of work. However, if F1 desires full-time arbitration, it will require a new budget, meaning F1 needs to fund it.