Formula E Civil War: Entire Grid Signs 'Secret' Letter To FIA President - Report

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 23:08 IST

All 20 Formula E drivers have signed a letter to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, raising serious concerns over stewarding, race direction, and consistency.

In an unprecedented move, the entire Formula E grid has taken a stand against those in power.

All 20 drivers have signed a strongly worded letter addressed to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, calling for urgent changes to how the championship is being run.

According to The Race, the letter, sent on March 11 by drivers’ representatives Lucas di Grassi and Oliver Rowland, reportedly begins on a positive note, acknowledging improvements in areas like safety, marshalling, and technical fairness.

But then, drivers expressed “shared and growing concern" over the standard, consistency, and structure of stewarding and race direction.

Key Concerns Raised

At the heart of the issue is inconsistency.

Drivers pointed to:

• Conflicting stewarding decisions
• Lack of continuity in steward panels
• Limited Formula E experience among driver advisors
• Poor communication and transparency from race control

One of the strongest criticisms was reserved for Formula E race director Marek Hanaczewski — questioning his understanding and application of the rules.

The drivers said, “internal evaluation of [the] race director [sic] understanding and reasoning of the sporting rules", adding “without the capacity – and humility – to acknowledge and learn from mistakes, there is little evidence of continuous improvement".

Drivers Demand Change

The grid proposed solutions to their grief in the letter.

These include creating a formal driver–race direction forum, publishing clearer guidelines specific to Formula E, and launching an independent review of stewarding consistency.

Teams Caught Off Guard

In a twist, many team principals were reportedly unaware of the letter until after it was sent, sparking internal tensions.

Allegedly, many bosses knew of the complaints and of the possibility of the communications, yet they were not informed that the letter had been drafted, signed, and sent to Ben Sulayem.

Some teams have even distanced themselves from the drivers’ stance.

Meanwhile, the FIA has reportedly acknowledged the concerns, stating it is reviewing the issues raised and remains in regular contact with teams and drivers.

“The FIA is in regular correspondence with ABB FIA Formula E World Championship manufacturers, teams and drivers on a variety of topics," an FIA spokesperson stated in a statement issued to RacingNews365.

“We are reviewing the comments on sporting matters raised recently by drivers, and will continue with the same proactive approach to develop and invest in this championship, ensuring the highest standards are maintained."

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