The world of Formula 1 (F1) is no stranger to drama, but recent tensions between the FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and several top F1 drivers have raised the stakes higher than ever. As the sport continues to dominate the motorsport scene, the rivalry between the governing body of F1, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and some of the most celebrated drivers on the grid is threatening to derail what has always been one of the most electrifying fan experiences in sports. The key question now is: will these disputes endanger the very essence of Formula 1’s worldwide appeal?

At the center of this escalating conflict is the issue of power and control. Ben Sulayem, who assumed the role of FIA President in December 2021, has been openly at odds with many of F1’s most famous faces. The tension reached a boiling point when Ben Sulayem recently made headlines by publicly challenging the authority of some of the sport’s biggest stars, like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sebastian Vettel. The drivers have long been influential figures within the sport, and their voices carry substantial weight in shaping the direction of F1.

But with the introduction of new regulations, financial concerns, and Ben Sulayem’s ambitious plans to expand the FIA’s power, friction between the governing body and drivers has intensified. From disagreements over technical regulations to the handling of controversial incidents, the FIA and F1 drivers have found themselves on opposing sides more often than ever before.

While the conflict between the FIA and the drivers may seem like a power struggle at its core, there is a far more important issue at play—one that could affect millions of F1 fans worldwide. For years, the sport has been known for its high-octane action, emotional storylines, and, perhaps most importantly, its connection with fans. From the electric atmosphere at the circuit to the virtual engagement on social media, F1 has worked hard to build a passionate global fanbase.

However, as tensions between the FIA and the drivers continue to escalate, fans have begun to worry that they will be the ones who ultimately bear the brunt of the fallout. With several drivers threatening to strike, boycotts of certain events, or a reduction in on-track engagement, the potential for a fractured F1 landscape has become a very real threat. Fans who travel the world to witness the spectacle of F1 may find themselves watching races that lack the star drivers they’ve come to adore, or, worse, an F1 calendar that looks quite different from what they’ve come to expect.

F1 drivers have always been seen as the heart and soul of the sport. Fans admire not only their skill behind the wheel but also their personalities, passion, and commitment. However, the growing tensions between Ben Sulayem and several top drivers are starting to jeopardize these relationships. Take, for example, the recent comments made by Max Verstappen, who criticized the FIA for its handling of certain technical regulations and for being “too reactive.” The Dutchman’s frustrations are not unique—many drivers, including Charles Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo, have echoed similar sentiments about the governing body’s management of race weekends.

Such public statements have sparked a fierce debate about the balance of power in F1. Is it the responsibility of the FIA to lay down the law, or should the drivers have more of a say in the decision-making process? While the FIA has the task of enforcing the rules, there is a growing sentiment that drivers are the true faces of the sport and that their input should hold greater weight. As the feud between the two factions drags on, the fans are left watching in suspense, wondering how these power struggles will ultimately impact their beloved sport.

F1 has always prided itself on delivering an unrivaled experience for fans, but the growing tensions between the FIA and the drivers are now threatening that very promise. The fear is that the drama off the track may begin to overshadow the excitement on it. If drivers begin pulling back their engagement with fans, or worse, refusing to participate in key events, the sense of connection that so many fans have with their heroes could begin to erode. This would leave a void in the sport that may not be easily filled.

Furthermore, Ben Sulayem’s push for greater control over the sport’s financial and technical regulations has led to concerns that the commercialization of F1 could alienate the very fans who have made the sport what it is today. The possibility of the sport becoming more corporate-driven and less focused on the raw, emotional appeal that fans crave is a concern that many within the F1 community are taking seriously.

At this critical juncture, the resolution of the conflict between the FIA and the F1 drivers is essential not just for the sake of the sport’s integrity, but also for the future of its fan experience. Formula 1 has enjoyed unparalleled success in recent years, with a burgeoning fanbase across the globe, a thrilling competitive landscape, and rising viewership numbers. However, continued infighting could jeopardize all that has been achieved.

In the end, it’s the fans who stand to lose the most if the FIA and the drivers can’t find a way to reconcile their differences. F1 has become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans looking to experience the sport in person or through their screens. If the ongoing feud between the FIA President and the drivers continues to fester, it could irreparably harm the sport’s connection to the very people who support it.

With the 2025 season fast approaching, the pressure is on for all parties to come to the table and find common ground before the fan experience is permanently damaged. In a sport where speed and precision reign supreme, it’s time for the FIA and the drivers to put the brakes on their conflict—for the sake of F1’s passionate global fanbase.