Why did a Moto GP legend call out FIA and F1 for creating an unnecessary mess?

April 3, 2023

The Australian Grand Prix witnessed a dramatic finish as eight drivers registered DNFs at the Albert Park Circuit – Moto GP Legend called out FIA and F1 for creating an unnecessary mess

Two-time Moto GP World Champion Casey Stoner was left fuming after FIA’s ridiculous decision-making caused mayhem at the Albert Park Circuit. The Australian GP was not short of drama as three red flags and a finish under the safety car left enough room for controversy and confusion. Max Verstappen eventually cruised to victory but eight drivers ended up registering DNFs in a race that lasted for more than two and a half hours.

@fia you have embarrassed yourselves today with @F1 What an unnecessary mess.
Please remember everyone, this is a sport first and entertainment second, not the other way around.
— Casey Stoner AM (@Official_CS27) April 2, 2023

Australian motorcycling legend Casey Stoner was pretty disgusted at how things ended at his home GP. He vented out his frustration on Twitter: “You have embarrassed yourselves today with @F1 What an unnecessary mess. Please remember everyone, this is a sport first and entertainment second, not the other way around.”

FIA’s decision to bring out the red flag for a second time following Kevin Magnussen’s crash during the final stages of the race brought a storm of criticism. It was then followed by mayhem which saw Carlos Sainz eventually drop to P12 and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon crash out.

Fans react as Casey Stoner hits out at FIA for creating a mess

Let us take a look at some of the reactions from fans on social media.

“I watch F1 since 2004, obvious I’ve seen enough controversies but the way F1 is heading currently makes me love less and less the sport. F1 shouldn’t act like NASCAR 2.0”, wrote a disappointed fan.

I watch F1 since 2004, obvious I seen enough controversies but the way F1 is heading currently makes me loving less and less the sport.

F1 shouldn't act like NASCAR 2.0
— R (@T95Re) April 2, 2023

“Amen. Since the start of 2021 it’s just all about generating entertainment rather than sporting integrity and upholding longstanding rules”, tweeted another fan.

Amen. Since the start of 2021 it's just all about generating entertainment rather than sporting integrity and upholding longstanding rules.
— Tom Phillips 💀 (@Ravage069) April 2, 2023

“The race could have ended with the same result under safety car as it should have on other similar occasions. It shows nothing good comes out of a manufactured ending. What a mess that end was for everyone”, read a tweet.

The race could have ended with the same result under safety car as it should have on other similar occasions. It shows nothing good comes out of a manufactured ending. What a mess that end was for everyone.
— mv3sixty (@mv3sixty) April 2, 2023

“I think they followed the rules 100% Casey”, commented a fan with a contrasting opinion.