FIA Contract Recognition Board

The FIA Contract Recognition Board (CRB) is a body set up by motorsports governing body, the FIA, to determine the legality of driver contracts and to settle disputes between Formula One teams over such contracts.[1] The CRB meets in Geneva, Switzerland and is made up of independent lawyers who are considered to be suitably experienced in the law of contract.[2] It aims to decide disputes in a few days, rather than the extended periods a court of law would take.[3]

FIA Contract Recognition Board
AbbreviationCRB
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The CRB was formed after Michael Schumacher signed to drive for Benetton in 1991, despite having agreed to discuss a contract with Jordan.[4]

Jenson Button (2004)

In August 2004, Jenson Button signed a contract with Williams even though he had a valid contract with BAR. The CRB ruled in BAR's favour on 20 October that year and Button remained with the team.[5]

Although not a strict CRB decision, Button signed a contract with Williams to drive with them in 2006, but then later felt he would be better placed at BAR to get his maiden win. Although Frank Williams determined the contract to be watertight, he later settled with Button for £18m not to take his option at Williams.

Timo Glock (2007)

During November 2007, Timo Glock signed a contract with Toyota for the 2008 season but BMW Sauber also claimed to have a valid contract for 2008. The CRB ruled in favour of Toyota who then subsequently announced Glock as a driver.[6]

Oscar Piastri (2022)

Oscar Piastri was signed to the Renault Sport Academy in 2020 as part of their Driver Development Program, which included racing in FIA Formula 3, FIA Formula 2 and testing in Formula One.[7] When Fernando Alonso signed for Aston Martin for the 2023 season, Alpine quickly announced Piastri's promotion to a racing seat.[8] However, Piastri quickly rebuffed Alpine's announcement by claiming he never signed a contract to race with the team.[9] The CRB met on 29 August 2022 to determine whether Piastri is contracted to Alpine, or if he is free to join a different team for 2023.[10] On 2 September, during the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix weekend, the CRB made a ruling against Alpine, recognising the contract between Piastri and McLaren signed on 4 July 2022 for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.[11] McLaren announced Piastri's signing shortly after the CRB's decision,[12] and Alpine were ordered to pay the legal costs of McLaren and Piastri as well as the arbitrators' fees.[13]

References
  1. "Decision-making at the CRB". GrandPrix.com. Inside F1, Inc. 2004-10-18.
  2. Saward, Joe (1996-10-01). "Why Williams wins in Formula 1". GrandPrix.com. Inside F1, Inc.
  3. Rubino-Sammartano, Mauro (2001). International Arbitration Law and Practice. Kluwer Law International. p. 553. ISBN 90-411-1425-4.
  4. Collings, Timothy (2001). The Piranha Club. Virgin Books. p. 315. ISBN 1-85227-907-9.
  5. "BAR Wins CRB Decision to Keep Jenson Button". 20 October 2004. Retrieved August 29, 2002.
  6. Noble, Jonathan (16 November 2007). "CRB Says Glock Free to Race For Toyota". Autosport. Autosport Network. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  7. "Piastri joins Prema, Renault Sport Academy". Press Racing. 2020-01-26. Archived from the original on 2022-09-02. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  8. "2023 driver line-up confirmed: Esteban Ocon 🤝 Oscar Piastri After four years as part of the Renault and Alpine family, Reserve Driver Oscar Piastri is promoted to a race seat alongside Esteban Ocon starting from 2023". Twitter. 2 August 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  9. "I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year". Twitter. 2 August 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  10. Noble, Jonathan (29 August 2022). "How CRB Decision Will Decide Piastri's F1 Fate". Autosport. Autosport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  11. "Decision of the Contract Recognition Board 02/09/2022". Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. 2 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  12. "Piastri to drive for McLaren as Alpine lose appeal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2022-09-02.
  13. "Exclusive: CRB ruling details Alpine failings in handling Piastri contract". RacingNews365. 2022-09-02. Retrieved 2023-08-03.


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