McLaren F1 Boss Calls for Ban on FIA Broadcasting Feature After Saudi Arabian GP Controversy

It would be an understatement to mention that the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was a controversial race. There were so many talking points not only on the track but also off the track. The biggest talking point of the weekend was the handling of the race by the FIA and their radio communication nightmare. In a radio conversation between the FIA and Red Bull, the FIA clearly was trying to offer a deal and ‘negotiate’ the Austrian team. Now McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has come out to mention that he does not like that the FIA radio message being broadcast to everyone.

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I was never in favor of transmitting these communications: McLaren team boss

As reported by es. Motorsport, the McLaren team boss stated he thinks the only reason there is a debate is because of the message being telecast.

He believes F1 is better off if they don’t have the FIA team radio on the broadcast.

“I think the only reason it is a debate now is because it is being broadcast. You didn’t hear those things before. And I think that’s a big difference.” said the German.

Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 20, 2021, McLaren Managing Director Andreas Seidl in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS

He mentioned he was never on board with the decision to broadcast the conversation between FIA and the teams.

“To be honest, I was never in favor of transmitting these communications, because there are also things that come and go with regard to security, etc., that I do not necessarily always have to know. That is my opinion about it,” said Seidl.

Seidl also mentioned if the way teams communicate with the FIA changed since the time messages have become public.

“I don’t think the communication has changed in principle. I would say that, in terms of what comes and goes, it is even more controlled than in the past because everyone knows that it is broadcast,” said Andreas.

Although the fans love the FIA team radio. It does sometimes showcase the incompetency of the authority and how they handle the situation in tense moments.

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