McLaren F1 Boss Calls for Ban on FIA Broadcasting Feature After Saudi Arabian GP Controversy

It would be an understatement to say that the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was a controversial race. There were so many talking points not only on the track but also off it. The biggest talking point of the weekend was the handling of the race by the FIA and their radio communication nightmare. In a radio conversation between the FIA and Red Bull, the FIA clearly was trying to offer a deal and ‘negotiate’ with the Austrian team. Now, McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has come out to state that he does not like that the FIA radio message being broadcast to everyone.

WATCH STORY: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track

I was never in favor of transmitting these communications: McLaren team boss

As reported by es. Motorsport, the McLaren team boss stated that he thinks the only reason that there is a debate is because of the message being telecast.

He believes F1 is better off if they don’t have the FIA team radio on the broadcast.

“I think the only reason it is a debate now is because it is being broadcast. You didn’t hear those things before. And I think that’s a big difference.” said the German.

He mentioned he was never on board with the decision to broadcast the conversation between FIA and the teams.

“To be honest, I was never in favor of transmitting these communications, because there are also things that come and go with regard to security, etc., that I do not necessarily always have to know. That is my opinion about it,” said Seidl.

Seidl also answered if the way teams communicate with the FIA has changed since the time messages have become public.

“I don’t think the communication has changed in principle. I would say that, in terms of what comes and goes, it is even more controlled than in the past because everyone knows that it is broadcast,” said Andreas.

Let’s see if fans get any more drama in this aspect in the highly anticipated final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

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