Formula 1 drivers, led by Williams’ Carlos Sainz, are demanding an “urgent” meeting with the FIA to revise the interpretation of racing guidelines, arguing that stewards are applying rules too strictly and without “common sense.”
Sainz, a director of the GPDA, called the 10-second penalty given to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Brazil “unacceptable,” stating Piastri was “not at all” at fault for the collision.
The core issue is how the FIA interprets mandatory compliance and driver control, especially regarding locked brakes.
Sainz and Mercedes’ George Russell argue that a lock-up doesn’t automatically mean a driver is “out of control” and that rules must account for context, circuit conditions, and reaction time.
Sainz cited multiple penalties this year that he feels were undeserved.
The drivers are scheduled to meet with FIA stewards at the next race in Qatar to address their concerns and a growing list of disputed incidents.
