Max Verstappen has expressed concerns over the continued exodus of senior staff from Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, following recent high-profile departures.
The turmoil began long before FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's controversial removal recently of race director Niels Wittich. Now, senior steward Tim Mayer and top official Janette Tan have also left their roles, raising questions about stability within the organization.
"I'm in disbelief," Mayer reportedly told L'Equipe. "At some point, the FIA is going to run out of competent people."
In Qatar, Rui Marquez, Wittich's successor, has been tasked with overseeing both Formula 1 and Formula 2—a situation that Alpine's Pierre Gasly described as less than ideal.
"I'm sure whatever comes out of this weekend, if it doesn't allow him to be at F1 standard, I'm sure there will be changes in the future," Gasly said.
The lack of official explanations for the staff departures has only fueled speculation.
"The exodus at the FIA continues, and nobody knows what is behind it," wrote Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt. "There is no official explanation. What happens if Marquez gets sick and is unable to work? There is no longer a replacement for the replacement."
An anonymous FIA source echoed the confusion, telling Auto Motor und Sport: "We were not informed and therefore we do not know what's going on."
When asked about the situation, Verstappen admitted he was perplexed.
"I know that more people have left, but I do not know who or why," the four-time world champion said. "But I don't think it is ideal for the FIA that people leave. It just depends on who you get to replace them. Who is going to take over all those tasks?"
Despite the internal turmoil, the drivers have voiced approval of Marquez's performance as race director so far. After a meeting of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) in Qatar, drivers are set to propose adjustments to certain guidelines, though it remains unclear if the changes will be implemented for 2025 or sooner.
"There's a rule now where the driver on the inside has to leave room for the driver on the outside between the apex and the exit," said GPDA senior director George Russell. "That's now being thrown in the bin."
