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F1 drivers threaten strike over license fees

F1 drivers threaten strike over license fees

Siddarth Raja June 19th, 2008 Siddarth Raja By Siddarth Raja Author June 19th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Formula one drivers are threatening to boycott the British grand prix next month, according to reports. They claim the radical increase to the cost of their mandatory FIA superlicenses this year was unfair. Previous to 2008, superlicences cost drivers just 1,690 euros plus 447 euros per point scored in the most recent world championship. But the World Motor Sport Council in January approved an increase in the cost of a superlicense to 10,000 euros, plus 2,000 euros per point. It means that reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen's 2008 license cost 230,000 euros. The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) is requesting an urgent meeting with FIA president Max Mosley prior to the forthcoming Silverstone race. If Mosley does not agree to lower the cost of their superlicenses, the drivers are reportedly prepared to strike. An unnamed proponent of the threatened strike action said the FIA's fee increase is particularly harsh for drivers like Robert Kubica, the new championship leader. "He is not yet earning an awful lot, but his license costs nearly a tenth of his income," the driver said.
F1 drivers threaten strike over license fees

F1 drivers threaten strike over license fees

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Formula one drivers are threatening to boycott the British grand prix next month, according to reports. They claim the radical increase to the cost of their mandatory FIA superlicenses this year was unfair.

Previous to 2008, superlicences cost drivers just 1,690 euros plus 447 euros per point scored in the most recent world championship. But the World Motor Sport Council in January approved an increase in the cost of a superlicense to 10,000 euros, plus 2,000 euros per point.

It means that reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen's 2008 license cost 230,000 euros.

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) is requesting an urgent meeting with FIA president Max Mosley prior to the forthcoming Silverstone race. If Mosley does not agree to lower the cost of their superlicenses, the drivers are reportedly prepared to strike.

An unnamed proponent of the threatened strike action said the FIA's fee increase is particularly harsh for drivers like Robert Kubica, the new championship leader.

"He is not yet earning an awful lot, but his license costs nearly a tenth of his income," the driver said.

Tags: Motorsports

Posted in: News


Comments (8 total)

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  1. By HECTOR #1, Posted: 6/19/2008

    I'm sure I'm not alone but two thoughts immediately come to mind:

    1. Here go the British apparatchiks again with their jihad against drivers.
    2. €230K for a license? Well, I'm sorry if I don't cry for you Argentina but you make that by going two laps around a track in an F1 mount, something most people would pay good money for.

  2. By cj #2, Posted: 6/19/2008

    so true Hector...he moaning about paying 10% of his income on his license, however if I had his incme less the 10% I wouldn't moan about...then again I probably would

  3. By Adam #3, Posted: 6/19/2008

    I do partly agree with you: these guys make more money in a minute than most people do in a week. However, a 1000% increse in fees is, well, a bit ridiculous.

  4. By bambam #4, Posted: 6/19/2008

    Check out the jump in the cost.
    Where are the senators? or policy makers?. Don't let the F1 people do it. Look at F1 all those years. If they are fair or smart they would break up the cost to the right people with the right salary. How can some new driver(let say Lewis Hamilton) afford anything if he hasn't got the contract yet. How can you even create new drivers with talent like this. Talk about killing the sport. Stick with Soccer or Football boys. It only cost $10 for a ball, nothing else.

  5. By Ivan #5, Posted: 6/19/2008

    10% of income, and that's the lowest payed racer. I pay 10% of my income for car insurance, I don't cry about it, given I am just starting out my career too.

  6. By phreshone #6, Posted: 6/19/2008

    That's so pretty hefty taxation. The cost of Max's hookers must have gone up w/ all the publicity.

    Really not suprising that a bunch of Euro's would penalize people for good performance.

  7. By MyWheelsOnWalls.com #7, Posted: 6/19/2008

    Not sure what to say here. Are they gouging their own guys or were they undercharging in the first place.

    As a thought, Doctors do not get to pay a cheap rate for their education to be doctors and earn big dollars later for their reward of having a higher education. Every club has its fees the question is do you want to pay up....?

    Although such fee increases does not make you think twice about paying 400k for a personal liscence plate though.

  8. By VW Rocks #8, Posted: 6/21/2008

    I suggest we hold a fund riasing event to help the poor F1 drivers of the misery of paying some license fees beyond thier capabilities. I mean look at L.Hamilton dad who just wrecked a Porsche GT .. now I am sure the poor lad hitch hike going to work !!!!

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