Last week's news that F1 drivers are preparing for a row with motor racing's international governing body over the cost of their mandatory FIA super licences reminds me that there is nothing new under the sun.
The new deal would mean world champion Lewis Hamilton having to pay 218,920 euros for his licence fee this year. Seems like a lot of cash, but probably not so much if you're earning 12 million euros a year.
The news took me back to the 1982 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, where my old mate Niki Lauda, bouncing back into the F1 business with McLaren after a two-year sabbatical, helped to orchestrate a drivers' strike that disrupted practice.
Niki, who celebrates his 60th birthday next month, was absolutely unapologetic about his involvement which, in fairness, was not about money, but about the FIA's demand that a super licence only be issued in conjunction with a driver's specific contract with a team. In other words, no contract, no super licence.
This week’s row follows on from a scrap last year when the cost of the licence shot up from €1725 plus €456 per point scored from the previous year, to €10,000 plus €2000 per point for the 2008 season.
Now the drivers are being asked to accept an inflationary rise, increasing the basic fee to €10,400.
"We spend a fortune on safety and most of it is for the benefit of the drivers," Max Mosley, the FIA president, explained. "A lot of the people who have otherwise been meeting the bill said 'Hang on a minute, these drivers are all earning megabucks and we are spending a fortune to try and make sure they are safe.' So hence the increase."
Join the debate
Add your comment
re: Super fee for the super licence
The price is not an issue although doubling it almost five fold in one hike does smack a bit of a rip off for the drivers even if they do earn millions a year! As for the price per point though i think it is ridiculous, the fact that you have to pay to be successful is beyond me, im sure Liverpool,Man Utd and chelsea co dont pay the FA X amount for every point they pick up on the weekend! On the last point if i was a driver i would be happy to pay as long as i had proof that my money was going towards safety and not Mr Moseleys next night in haha!
re: Super fee for the super licence
Brilliant. Hike up the fee under the guise that safety improvements need paying for, then get volunteer marshals doing the front-line work for free.
re: Super fee for the super licence
"We spend a fortune on rubber uniforms, gags and whips and most of it is for the benefit of the FIA President," Max Mosley, the FIA president, explained