10 Biggest Formula One Controversies
1. FISA-FOCA War Leading To 1982 San Marino Grand Prix Boycott
Back in the 1980s, Formula One was governed by a subcommittee of the FIA called the FISA. On the other side of the coin, the Formula One teams were part of an association called the Formula One Constructors' Association.
After several disputes, 1982 saw the FISA introduce a clause in drivers' super licenses limiting them from shifting teams mid-season. The Grand Prix Drivers Association announced a drivers' strike led by Didier Pironi and Niki Lauda, which was only begrudgingly settled later. The 1982 Brazilian Grand Prix then saw Nelson Piquet Sr. and Keke Rosberg disqualified due to illegal water-cooling and this proved to be the final straw that broke the camel's back.
This eventually led to the FOCA-teams in Brabham, McLaren, Williams and Lotus boycotting the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix. Only the FISA aligned teams such as Ferrari, Renault and Alfa Romeo showed up alongside Tyrell, Osella, ATS and Toleman, leading to only 14 cars racing.
This was eventually settled with some discussions between the FOCA and FISA (which eventually reverted to direct FIA control) and starting the political careers of Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley. There was a final controversy in that during the race Didier Pironi ignored Ferrari team orders and overtook Gilles Villeneuve which infuriated the latter forever and may have led to his death at the following round in Zolder.