Formula E drivers go rogue with a ‘letter of concern’ to FIA president

Formula E has entered a period of turbulence after all 20 drivers signed a letter sent to FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem, listing grievances with multiple aspects of the championship’s running.

Drivers have been particularly vocal on team radio and in post-race interviews this season, airing their frustrations without any attempt to sugarcoat their concerns.

In their letter, the drivers begin with a positive tone, acknowledging work done to improve, stating they “see a lot of effort and improvement year over year with the local ASNs, marshalling, safety, track conditions, technical fairness and general protocols”.

But the positivity quickly ends, with the drivers stating an aim to "formally express our shared and growing concern regarding the current standard, consistency, and procedural coherence of stewarding and race direction within the championship".

Race director Marek Hanaczewski and the stewards take personal flak, with the former accused of lacking the “humility” to “acknowledge and learn from mistakes”.

As first reported by The Race, further frustration comes from an inconsistency in decision-making, advisors lacking championship-specific experience, and a lack of clarity in the application of the rules.

News of the letter came as a surprise to team bosses, with the Formula E Teams and Manufacturers [FETAMA] since distancing themselves from the letter with their own communication to the FIA.

In a statement supplied to media outlets, an FIA spokesperson said: "The FIA is in regular correspondence with ABB FIA Formula E World Championship manufacturers, teams and drivers on a variety of topics. 

"We are reviewing the comments on sporting matters raised recently by drivers, and will continue with the same proactive approach to develop and invest in this championship, ensuring the highest standards are maintained."

Hanaczewski previously worked alongside former Formula E race director Scot Elkins, before taking over the reins at last year’s Miami E-Prix.

Ben Sulayam is scheduled to attend this weekend’s Jarama weekend, something of a rarity for the FIA president.

With drivers set to face the media ahead of the Madrid E-Prix in the coming days, it remains to be seen how big the fallout from this latest development could be.