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FIA's Jean Todt under fire for his 'lack of understanding'

FIA president Jean Todt has been criticised by a Haas engineer for the recent comments he made about the ever-increasing Formula 1 calendar.

As concerns grow over the schedule and the impact it will have on those working tirelessly for the F1 teams, Todt wanted to remind everyone of the privilege they should be feeling whilst working in the sport.

Todt said via Motorsport Week: “I already think, including you (the media), we (the FIA), and I include myself, for other reasons, we are so blessed to be in a world where we love what we do. We have the passion, we are privileged, whoever is in F1 is privileged.

“When I was in other positions I was working 18-hour days six or seven days a week, because I had a passion and wanted the result. Then of course your family, if you have a beloved family, they will understand, and you don’t do that for all your life."

Lack of understanding

However, Haas engineer, Robert Dob, has suggested Todt’s comments are a little out of touch and lack understanding given that he doesn’t work the same schedule as the teams themselves.

Dob is quoted as saying by Brazil’s UOL Esporte: “According to him, we should be glad that we do not see our children. This is outrageous. This is the opinion of a person who comes to the race on Friday and leaves on Sunday. He does not spend as much time at the track as we do. Many of us have been doing this for years, and finding another job is not easy.”

READ: Participating in F1 is a 'privilege' - Jean Todt

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