Disputed 2023 Calendar Sparks Drama Between $15 Million Worth Liberty Media & FIA

A few days ago the FIA suddenly announced the 2023 calendar, which came as a surprise to not just the fans, but also to the teams and Liberty Media as well. The calendar was released with a record 24 races, the last triple-header of which was not approved by the F1 teams.

This is not the first time the FIA and the F1 teams have knocked heads. Most memorably, the divide over the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix decision comes to mind. But this might be the first time the FIA has angered Liberty Media as well.

The FIA clashes with F1 and Liberty Media over the 2023 calendar

The 2023 calendar features a record of 24 races starting in Bahrain in March and ending with Abu Dhabi in November. However, the last triple-header – USA, Mexico, Brazil – was not approved by the teams before the release of the calendar.

This was already a matter of offense to the F1 teams as triple-headers are extremely stressful to deal with. Added to that, the FIA also neglected to inform Liberty Media of the release. Usually, by tradition, Liberty Media and the FIA send out a joint press release consisting of the season calendar.

“The FIA on this occasion did not inform Liberty Media of the release of the calendar, and in the London offices the staff under the direction of Stefano Domenicali learned of it without any notice,” reported the Italian edition of the Motorsports website.

Liberty Media is also heavily involved in the drafting process of the calendar. They are responsible for negotiating with each of the promoters of the Grand Prix.

READ MORE: F1 Gets Called Out By Fans For Putting Up a 2023 Calendar Not in Line With Sustainability Promises Previously Made

Lewis Hamilton has faith in Ben Sulayem

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton had mere days prior shown support for FIA President Ben Sulayem.

“It’s not an easy role for anyone, I think it takes time to get into a role and build all the relationships and also to implement change,” Hamilton had told reporters in Italy.

“We want to help the FIA, and Mohammed has been really open with that. So we are just going to continue to work on that communication . . . I’m in touch with him quite a lot. We actually speak quite a bit.”

Clearly, Lewis Hamilton appreciated the openness and honesty of the FIA president. Yet, days later, the FIA went behind backs to release the 2023 calendar.

“He used to race himself, so he has a competitor sort of mindset. And he’s also very keen on diversity and really pushing for future change,” the Mercedes driver said.

WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Star Lewis Hamilton Demands FIA Action After Social Media Abuse

It is charming to see Lewis Hamilton have such faith in the FIA president, while other teams grow more frustrated. Only time will tell whether Hamilton’s faith or F1’s frustration will be rewarded.