The FIA’s recent decision to cancel the highly anticipated rookie race, which was slated to take place after the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has sparked a wave of disappointment and controversy within the Formula 1 community. Initially, the idea was met with widespread enthusiasm from teams, fans, and even high-profile drivers like Max Verstappen, who supported the notion of giving young, up-and-coming drivers a competitive platform to showcase their skills. However, the sudden cancellation of this event has raised serious questions about the FIA’s credibility and decision-making process, particularly at a time when the organization is already under scrutiny due to a series of recent scandals.

The concept of a rookie sprint race was seen as a groundbreaking opportunity for reserve drivers to gain invaluable experience in a competitive environment. Unlike the single free practice sessions they are currently allotted, which primarily focus on data collection and avoiding crashes, a sprint race would have provided these drivers with a real chance to prove themselves under race conditions. Notable drivers such as Colapinto, Lawson, and Bman have demonstrated in previous races that when the pressure is on, their performance can significantly differ. This event could have been a critical moment for teams like Red Bull, whose development drivers, including Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar, are eager to make their mark in the sport.

However, the FIA’s official statement cited “timing and organizational constraints” as the primary reasons for postponing the event until 2025. This explanation has not sat well with many within the sport, leading to questions about the FIA’s ability to manage high-profile events and whether this cancellation could harm its standing in the motorsport world. As the governing body of Formula 1, the FIA’s role in ensuring the sport’s growth and credibility is paramount, but recent events suggest that it may be struggling to balance its many responsibilities.

This decision comes at a time when the FIA is already facing a barrage of criticism. From the ongoing controversy surrounding Toto and Susie Wolff’s alleged conflict of interest to the public backlash over the handling of penalties for drivers’ use of foul language, the organization’s reputation has taken a hit. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has found himself at the center of these storms, with many questioning whether he is using the right strategies to defend both his position and the credibility of the FIA. The recent “swearing scandal,” where Ben Sulayem controversially stated that drivers are not rappers and should refrain from excessive profanity, only fueled tensions, particularly after Max Verstappen received a community service penalty for his comments about the Baku GP car.

While this specific issue may seem minor in the grand scheme of things, it highlights a larger problem: the growing disconnect between the FIA and the drivers, as well as the fans. With figures like Lewis Hamilton openly expressing distrust in Ben Sulayem’s leadership, the situation has become more volatile. The cancellation of the rookie race adds another layer to the controversy, leaving many to wonder if the FIA can regain its footing before the start of the 2025 season.

Meanwhile, the FIA has also been working on implementing significant changes to the 2026 regulations, which will focus on technical, sporting, and financial aspects of the sport. These include adjustments to the aerodynamic performance and safety standards of the cars, aimed at leveling the playing field and promoting fair competition. The new regulations also introduce a three-day testing period for teams to adapt to the new chassis and electrification processes that will define the next era of Formula 1. While these changes are a positive step toward the future, they are unlikely to distract from the current criticisms being directed at the FIA.

The future of the sport, including key developments like the flexible front wing and mini DRS systems, is already under review. Teams like McLaren and Mercedes are currently utilizing these advancements to gain a competitive edge, but there remains a gray area in terms of legality. The FIA’s role in regulating these technologies has been inconsistent, with no disqualifications being issued despite concerns about potential advantages. This ambiguity only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the FIA’s ability to enforce fair play in the sport.

Additionally, the broader issue of overtaking in “dirty air” conditions continues to plague the sport. While cars have been designed to allow for closer racing, overtaking remains a challenge under certain conditions, as seen during the Singapore GP. As the FIA continues to explore solutions for the 2026 season, many are questioning whether it will succeed in addressing these fundamental issues, or whether the organization’s focus on maintaining its authority is leading to missed opportunities for genuine progress.

In the midst of all this, Ben Sulayem has remained defiant, asserting that the FIA does not receive the credit it deserves for its contributions to the sport, particularly when it comes to securing new sponsorships and partnerships. He argues that despite its significant role, the FIA is often overshadowed by Formula 1’s commercial rights holders, Liberty Media, and that the public narrative surrounding the governing body is unlikely to change in the near future.

With so many challenges ahead, the cancellation of the rookie race may seem like a small issue in the grander context of Formula 1. However, it serves as a symbol of the FIA’s current struggles. Whether Ben Sulayem and his team can navigate through this turbulent period remains to be seen, but the stakes have never been higher for the future of both the FIA and Formula 1 as a whole.