Ferrari Fia Secret Agreement

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What the Ferrari FIA Secret Agreement Reveals About F1 Politics

Formula One (F1) racing is not just about speed and skill on the track, but also about power and strategy behind the scenes. The recent revelation of a secret agreement between Ferrari and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l`Automobile) in 2019 has sparked controversy and speculation about the true nature of F1 politics and its implications for the sport and its fans.

According to the leaked document, which was obtained and published by the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Ferrari had committed to several confidential technical guidelines and monitoring procedures in exchange for the FIA dropping its investigation into the engine of the team`s 2019 car. The investigation was triggered by suspicions from rival teams that Ferrari had found a way to circumvent the fuel flow limit and gain an unfair advantage on the track.

The FIA, as the governing body of F1, has the authority to regulate the technical rules and standards of the sport, and to investigate and penalize any team that violates them. However, the FIA also has to balance this role with the interests of the teams, sponsors, and fans that contribute to the financial and cultural success of F1. This delicate balance often leads to tensions and compromises among different stakeholders, and the Ferrari FIA secret agreement seems to be a case in point.

The details of the agreement are not fully known, as both Ferrari and the FIA have refused to comment on it beyond acknowledging its existence and validity. However, some sources have speculated that the agreement may have allowed Ferrari to use a higher fuel flow rate than the limit set by the FIA, or to modify its engine in ways that were not explicitly prohibited by the rules. This would have given Ferrari a significant advantage over other teams, especially on long straights where speed and power are crucial.

The timing and context of the agreement also raise questions about its legitimacy and fairness. The investigation into Ferrari`s engine started in late 2019, after some teams had voiced concerns about the performance of Ferrari`s car. The FIA initially issued technical directives to clarify the rules and to enforce stricter monitoring of the fuel flow rate. However, Ferrari`s pace dropped suddenly and significantly in the following races, suggesting that the team had to comply with the rules or face penalties. Then, in February 2020, the FIA announced that it had reached a confidential settlement with Ferrari, without giving any further details.

The lack of transparency and accountability in this process has eroded the trust and credibility of the FIA and Ferrari among fans and other teams. Many fans have expressed their disappointment and anger over the deal, which they see as a betrayal of the sporting ethos of fair play and integrity. Some teams, such as Red Bull and Mercedes, have also called for more clarity and consistency in the enforcement of the rules, and for a fairer distribution of power and money among the teams.

The Ferrari FIA secret agreement may have far-reaching consequences for the future of F1, both in terms of its technical regulations and its governance structures. Some experts have predicted that the scandal may lead to a split between the FIA and some teams, or to a realignment of alliances among the teams themselves. Others have suggested that the FIA may have to reform its transparency and accountability mechanisms, and to review its relations with the teams and the commercial rights holder, Liberty Media.

In any case, the Ferrari FIA secret agreement highlights the complex and contested nature of F1 politics, and the need for greater openness and dialogue among all stakeholders. As a fan or a participant in F1, it is important to stay informed and engaged in these debates, and to demand that the sport lives up to its ideals and promises. Whether Ferrari will regain its glory or lose its reputation remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the Ferrari FIA secret agreement has exposed some of the darker sides of F1, and has challenged its legitimacy and credibility.