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FIA more open to opinion since GPDA letter – Button

Jenson Button says the FIA has allowed drivers more input into the direction of Formula 1 since the Grand Prix Drivers' Association wrote an open letter declaring the sport 'obsolete and ill-structured' earlier this year.

Back in March, the GPDA - represented by Button, Sebastian Vettel and President Alex Wurz - released a statement airing its dissatisfaction with the direction of the sport and called on stakeholders to revise its decision-making processes to prevent 'gridlock'.

Though this reform is yet to take place in an official capacity, Button feels there has been a shift towards allowing drivers a more 'reasonable say' when it comes to making decisions.

"We feel that we do have a say anyway and since our comments earlier in the year, the FIA have been more open to our opinions, but they would prefer it is behind closed doors rather than in the press," the McLaren-Honda driver said. "I think that we have a reasonable say but you always want more because you always think we have more to give, rather than take, and that's definitely what we're here to do - make the sport a better place."

Indeed, though Button reiterated the statement was not a 'call to arms' for drivers against the governing bodies, he says it showed the commitment they have in ensuring the sport improves.

"I think it showed to the world that there are issues in F1 and the drivers know they are issues and are willing to help. Of course we got replies from certain individuals and I think our comments were valid and I think they understand that.

"The important thing is that we're all willing to what we can to improve the sport, because the sport's not in a bad place but it's not as good as it should be and not as good as it will be."

Zdroj: crash.net