Drivers vs FISA; the 1982 driver strike

Ahead of the start of the 1982 Formula 1 season opener in South Africa drivers striked out as the FIA looked to deepen their position of power.

 

As the 1982 season came to a start in South Africa the governing body FISA had made the decision to take more control over drivers, to act on their decision the FISA had tried to sneak in a couple new clauses into their super licenses. This ultimately caused an uproar amongst drivers who were unhappy with the decision.

 

One of the new rules to be introduced would limit the driver’s freedom of speech. The governing body wanted to make it illegal for drivers to criticise the governing body no matter how bad of a situation, it was expected that drivers only shared positive words towards the organisation. It was stated that “There will be no criticism of the FIA”, with the threat of a life ban for anyone who spoke out against them.

 

The main decision that upset many drivers was the ruling that drivers would no longer be allowed to negotiate contracts with other teams, instead it would be the teams’ responsibilities to decide where drivers would go.

 

Some drivers refused to sign to the new terms, by Wednesday before the season opener at Kyalami the matter had not been settled. FISA president Jean-Marie Balestre had responded to the drivers saying “sign the license or you can’t race. Take it or leave it”.

As a result drivers had decided to leave out with none of the drivers turning up to the first practice session on Thursday. That morning the Grand Prix Drivers Association had arranged a bus to come to the circuit as drivers arrived taking them to Sunnyside Park Hotel 5 miles away from the circuit. The movement being led by Lauda and Pironi as the pair ushered the men on to the bus. Jochen Mass was absent as he turned up late to the circuit and Brian Henton had decided to stay behind in hopes of something coming up.

 

Pironi remained at the circuit in order to conduct negotiations and keep Lauda and the other drivers striking informed. Brabham’s boss Bernie Ecclestone claimed that he would fire his drivers, Piquet and Patresse, while Kyalami circuit claimed they would impound the cars if the race didn’t go ahead.

 

Ecclestone frustrated with the situation spoke out against the drivers stating that none of the current drivers would be missed and that they could easily be replaces. Meanwhile at the hotel the drivers had occupied the conference room accompanied by one unnamed photographer who was allowed into the room.

 

On the second morning of the strike Pironi held another meeting, and a bus full of ungroomed drivers returned to the track for Friday practice. Ecclestone still furious with the situation claimed that Piquet had no sleep and therefore unfit to drive, Piquet was later allowed to drive after passing a medical test.

 

Despite the conflict leading up to the race, the race did not disappoint fans with Prost taking the win despite a mid-race puncture which would set him back down into eighth, before fighting to take back the lead.

 

As a result of the strike all drivers were fined up to $10,000 as well as receiving suspended race bans. The driver protested against this resulting in their fines and bans being reduced. The FIA Court of Appeal also took a look at the situation and criticised Balestre and FISA for trying to control the drivers rights.  Thanks to the union of the drivers, the super license was changed with the two troubling clauses being removed.