Due to the rise in cost of their mandatory FIA superlicenses, next month's British grand prix may be put on hold as Formula One Drivers threaten to strike. With the fee now at $15,491, plus $3098 per point (based on European figures), the drivers claim that the increase is both radical and unfair. According to a supporter of the possible strike, the expense will be particularly hard on drivers like Robert Kubica, the new championship leader.
"He is not yet earning an awful lot, but his license costs nearly a tenth of his income," said the supporter.

Before 2008, the license was at $2618, plus $692 per point (based on European figures). Comparing previous costs to the current fee, the increase is especially substantial. This means that Kimi Raikkonen's 2008 license cost is over $350,000.

An urgent meeting with FIA president Max Mosley is being requested by the Grand Prix Drivers' Association to discuss the issue before the upcoming race. If an agreement to lower the license cost is not met however, the drivers say they are prepared to boycott the race.

+ Motor Authority: F1 drivers threaten strike over license fees