Fear of 'war' between FIA and F1: 'We know that'

Karun Chandhok sees that Formula 1 and FIA are currently not on the same page. In doing so, the former driver of the motorsport class does not expect the relationship to be repaired anytime soon, so he does not rule out the possibility that the fight between them will come to a boiling point.

This week, the FIA came out with the news that president Mohammed Ben Sulayem will step down from Formula 1 from this season. The decision by no means comes out of the blue, as the leader of the organisation had been under pressure within Formula 1 for some time.

The criticism of the FIA in recent months came in part because of the decision that drivers must now ask permission to make political statements. Moreover, Ben Sulayem seemed to imply that Formula 1 would be up for sale, causing shocked reactions.

Although Ben Sulayem will no longer be at the forefront of Formula 1, Chandhok thinks the situation will continue for some time. "The relationship is on the edge between the FIA and F1," he stated to Sky Sports, speaking of a possible 'war'. "Publicly, last year, they played nice. But we know, from behind the scenes in the paddock, it was all getting fractious."