Jean Todt’s Approval Rating X
Debates and polls
Are you happy with how F1 is being run by the FIA president?
Once every month at F1 Fanatic we look at how the president of the sport’s governing body, Jean Todt, is managing the championship.
Join in by casting your vote below.
FIA developments since the last approval rating
Korean Grand Prix
Part of the FIA’s International Sporting Code was waived in order to ensure the Korean Grand Prix took place. The code requires tracks to be inspected at least 60 days before holding a world championship race (Appendix O, article 3.4) but the Korean circuit was given the go-ahead just ten days before the first practice session began.
Last-minute work was still being done at the track during the race weekend, including changes to kerbs and run-off areas.
But the real problem came when heavy rain hit the track on Sunday. Poor drainage and limited visibility meant the start had to be postponed and 17 laps were spent behind the safety car before the race started. The late start of the race meant the closing stages were run in very poor light as darkness fell.
After the race drivers said they wanted more input into decisions regarding circuit design as they felt the pit lane entrance at Korea was unsafe.
13th team
Jacques Villeneuve, who made an application along with former GP2 team Durango to enter an F1 team in 2011, criticised the FIA’s team selection process.
He said the governing body “did a backflip” when it turned down his application, along with those from other teams, and chose not to appoint a 13th team for 2011.
Women in motor sport
Todt’s efforts to increase participation in motor racing by women continue and today Volkswagen are running a test day for female racers at Oschersleben in Germany..
Visit to Africa
On a visit to Africa Todt played down suggestions the continent might have its first Grand Prix since 1993 any time soon. South Africa held the football world cup earlier this year:
At the moment it’s only some rumours about some interest for some countries in Africa to organise a Formula One event but I don’t see any opportunity in the next three to five years.
Jean Todt
One year on
Todt has been FIA president for one year. McLaren’s Martin Whitmarsh was among those to voice his support for him, saying:
I’ve got to say that Jean Todt has I think played a good role. I think he’s busily and quietly reforming the FIA in the background, which I know has probably caused some discomfort within that organisation. I think he hasn’t used F1 as a personal platform for his own promotion, and I think that’s very, very positive.
Martin Whitmarsh
Jean Todt’s Approval Rating
As an F1 fan, do you approve or disapprove of the way Jean Todt is handling his job as FIA President?
- Approve (60%)
- Disapprove (24%)
- No opinion (16%)
Total Voters: 776
Loading ...Tell us how you voted and explain why in the comments.
Jean Todt’s Approval Ratings
| Date | Approve | Disapprove | No opinion |
| September 2010 | 44% | 43% | 12% |
| August 2010 | 60% | 17% | 23% |
| July 2010 | 54% | 24% | 22% |
| June 2010 | 53% | 23% | 24% |
| May 2010 | 78% | 8% | 14% |
| April 2010 | 63% | 14% | 23% |
| March 2010 | 53% | 24% | 23% |
| February 2010 | 57% | 14% | 29% |
| January 2010 | 55% | 16% | 29% |
Jean Todt's Approval Rating
Image © FIA
Xibi said on 2nd November 2010, 16:24
I’m still not over the team order rule, so I hate to disapprove.
John said on 2nd November 2010, 17:11
FIA Epic fail. Im really close to “unfollowing” F1. For me the last straw would be if Alonso wins the WDC. But then again what do you expect? Ex-Ferrari team boss, son is Massa’s manager. Ferrari International Assistance ? Indeed!! I could go on, but it would be easier to just to stop watching god-awful races at ridiculous hours and just get some sleep, then when I wake up and watch French GP 1979. If only we had races as good as the BBC’s broadcast ( yes, even with Legard’s nonsense ).
Dizzy-A (@david-a) said on 2nd November 2010, 20:25
Seriously, if you can’t appreciate a season that has largely had a close 5 way contest for the title, and classic, thrilling races like Melbourne, Istanbul, Montreal, Spa and Korea, then there just isn’t a reason for someone like you you to watch.
Go ahead and “unfollow” F1.
George (@george) said on 2nd November 2010, 17:58
The lack of a big fuss about Korea (despite Bernie’s best efforts) is a big plus in my book.
sheep said on 2nd November 2010, 18:07
No news is good news. It’s such a pleasant change to be able to focus on what happens (mostly) on track!
Sebas said on 2nd November 2010, 18:17
I really like these whole idea of the rating. I also like the stats, graph’s etc. keep up the good work!
I really try to understand the job that Todt has to do, But when I think about him the only thing that comes up is “let Micheal pass for the championship, let Micheal pass for the championship!!!” that + the judgement of Ferrari in the teamorders case made my vote a disapprove one.
Dizzy-A (@david-a) said on 2nd November 2010, 20:28
I vote approve, as we’ve been able to focus on the exciting climax to the season without so many off-track politics (barring Hockenheim, which wasn’t Todt’d fault, even with the incorrect comments he made after).
Helena said on 2nd November 2010, 20:35
Although one year is relatively little time to show your work, thus far I have approved of Jean Todt’s actions. I agreed with his position with regard to Ferrari’s team orders. I fully approve on his action in not adding more mickey-mouse teams to the grid. Although I am sorry to hear Kyalami might not see the return of F1, Jean Todt merely said he does not see “an opportunity” for a return to Africa soon [How can there be a return, with all the new tracks coming on stream, in India, Russia, Texas ....]. I’m not sure about female racing drivers, but I guess if they can be jet fighter pilots, why not racing drivers! Go Jean Todt.