FIA launches reporting platform for whistleblowers

Concerned with preserving the integrity and reputation of motor racing, the FIA ​​launched an online reporting platform entitled “Ethics and Compliance Hotline” (« Compliance and Ethics Hotline  »). Concretely, anyone wishing to report suspicious or fraudulent behavior can now do so anonymously via this new system.

The Federation explains that it wants to target in particular the following offenses: 

• Alleged violations of FIA ethical principles, including non-compliance with financial measures and other breaches of regulations and ethics 
• Suspicions of manipulation and attack on sporting integrity
• Alleged violations of FIA anti-doping regulations

The governing body ensures that the information transmitted will be treated confidentially. All data collected will be stored and protected in Switzerland with a very strict access protocol, then deleted once the case is closed. The identity of the whistleblower may, however, be revealed if the subject of the report falls within the scope of the law or if the person has given explicit consent. 

The FIA ​​has also posted a tutorial online to explain how its reporting platform works. The information must therefore be transmitted « in good faith " and " with valid reasons  ". A member of the Federation will be responsible for studying the facts and determining whether an investigation should be launched. She will then forward the file to the competent authority if necessary.

The launch of this hotline comes in a particular context, just a few months after a private agreement between the FIA ​​and Ferrari on the subject of the Italian engine triggered the ire and fueled the suspicions of the majority of the teams Formula 1. 

This hotline is also opening at the dawn of a major financial revolution in the premier category since a particularly restrictive budget cap of 145 million dollars (132 million euros) is about to be introduced in 2021 . 

Some have often questioned the ability of the FIA ​​to regulate the application of such a limit. Perhaps this federal reporting platform was set up for dissuasive purposes, with the regulatory body taking the gamble that the teams will be responsible for spying on each other and reporting any possible wrongdoing.