F1 teams are ‘terrified’ to criticize FIA due to potential repercussions, claims Ted Kravitz

Ted Kravitz highlighted McLaren's lack of criticism over Lando Norris' Canadian GP as the prime example.

F1 teams are ‘terrified’ to criticize FIA due to potential repercussions, claims Ted Kravitz

Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, Mike Krack, Fred Vasseur and, Alunni Bravi (image via Speedcafe.com)

The Formula 1 paddock was perplexed during the Canadian GP when Lando Norris was penalized for ‘unsportsmanlike behavior.’ McLaren and Norris questioned the decision, although they decided not to criticize the decision made by the FIA. F1 presenter Ted Kravitz has stated that teams are afraid of criticizing the FIA.

Lando was given a five-second penalty for slowing down for a sufficient gap behind teammate Oscar Piastri to doublestack in the pits. The British driver did not understand the way his penalty was labeled. At the same time, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella urged for discussions with the FIA over the penalty. Kravitz was convinced that teams do not want to criticize FIA’s decisions due to the potential consequences.

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The F1 presenter recalled the incident of Haas boss Gunther Steiner. Steiner had been penalized for calling out the FIA for misunderstanding the word “layman.’ Ted was confident that this had instilled fear in McLaren not to call out Norris’s Canada penalty. He said, “Layman was what they didn’t like about it. So McLaren have learned from that”. The 49-year-old questioned this situation in the sport. Ted Kravitz asked, “Teams are terrified of speaking out. Is that healthy?”

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Ted Kravitz insists the media needs to ask questions to the FIA

Ted Kravitz (Credits Sky Sports) (2)
Ted Kravitz (Credits: Sky Sports)

The F1 reporter highlighted the need for the media to ask important questions to the FIA as the teams seemed to not be in a comfortable position to question the sports governing body. The recent example of Lando Norris is a prime example that things need to change as soon as possible. He stated, “Is it incumbent for the media to ask the questions? I suppose it is.”

Hence this marks a significant issue that could develop in the upcoming weeks. FIA’s clampdown on criticism from teams is concerning for the sport. Subsequently, this could potentially allow the sports governing body to strong-arm decisions on the grid, as teams would be too afraid to raise their voice for fear of being penalized.

Thus, Ted Kravitz has made it clear that the present situation is not healthy for F1. Teams cannot fear making a point against the governing body. Moreover, this could allow for unfair practices by the FIA in the future. Subsequently, steps must be taken to counter this state in the sport and allow a free voice in the paddock.

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