Integrity of Formula 1 hangs in the balance after FIA fail to publish Abu Dhabi report

Having courted ignominy and anger with the controversial conclusion to last season’s finale in Abu Dhabi, acting to rebuild trust in the FIA as Formula One’s governing body should have been paramount. Yet so far this week the organisation has instead delivered little more than disbelief and disappointment. Where clarity and decisive action were required, insiders paint a picture more akin to a drunk lurching toward an unknown destination, babbling meaningless entreaties.

Dealing with the fallout from the interventions in Abu Dhabi by race director Michael Masi that ultimately ensured Max Verstappen took the title by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap has been the single most important task facing the FIA. It is also the biggest test facing the newly appointed FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

On Monday an update on its two-month investigation presented to the teams and F1 was described as inconclusive and sorely lacking in detail. Ben Sulayem was swiftly wheeled out to make his case. “The integrity of the FIA will always be intact. I am elected to do that, but also to have a fair motorsport: that’s my duty,” he said. “We can only go forward. This is important for the FIA, for the integrity of the FIA and for the sport.”

If integrity is the aim, the FIA must publish its report findings in full and publicly. If there were failings so great that structural changes are necessary – which they surely are – then the FIA must stand up and own those failings as an organisation.

If the FIA believes the system worked adequately according to the regulations the world body should have the courage of its convictions and show the marking of its own homework. Angry fans deserve at least transparency and honesty, anything else