UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Unhappy drivers admit F1 strike stories

Strike on?

Jun.19 (GMM) Leading formula one drivers on Thursday confirmed they are unhappy about increases to the cost of obtaining their mandatory FIA superlicenses in 2008.

At the Magny Cours circuit, Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) director Fernando Alonso did not deny that boycott action at next month's British grand prix over the issue is possible.

Championship leader and GPDA member Robert Kubica said the cost of a F1 license increased by at least a factor of eight compared to last year.

"It's quite a lot of money, especially if you are scoring points like Lewis did last year and it's your first year in formula one," he said.

"But another point is that experienced drivers who don't have a quick car are not scoring points, so they don't care because they don't have to pay.

"So I think it will be difficult to get all drivers to have the same idea but we are trying to convince the FIA to reduce the cost."

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Felipe Massa, despite neither being GPDA members, told a news conference on Thursday that they also support the GPDA.

"For sure I support them," reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen agreed.

"Of course it's better if it's not so expensive and it's the same for everybody, but I don't think there's any reason to go on strike and not race. I don't think that's the right way to go but it would be nice if we could reduce it," he said.

It is not clear what form a Silverstone strike might take -- boycotting the drivers' parade, an official session, or the race itself.

With individual drivers bound contractually to teams, Raikkonen admitted that a completely unified front among the twenty grand prix stars is unlikely.

"It's never going to happen that all the drivers will strike. Hopefully there is some nice solution that can be found at some point," he said.

Written: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:40:09