Despite Their Many Cybersecurity Partnerships, F1 Drivers Can Still Get Hacked - Here’s What Businesses Can Learn

You’d think Formula 1 would be untouchable when it comes to data protection, right? Big budgets, top-tier tech partners, cutting-edge systems, the whole lot. Yet, last week, every F1 driver on the grid had their passport and license details leaked after a vulnerability was found in the FIA’s driver categorisation portal.

A security researcher uncovered a mass assignment flaw that let anyone tweak their account privileges and access confidential driver data, everything from personal details to scanned documents. It’s a perfect example of how one overlooked configuration can open the door to a massive breach.

And here’s the scary part: this wasn’t a malicious hack. It was a simple coding oversight that could’ve easily been exploited.

So, what does this mean for the rest of us?

1. Even the best can slip up
The FIA isn’t new to cybersecurity. They’ve got partners, frameworks, and compliance teams. But as this breach shows, it only takes one weak spot, one unchecked system or one API vulnerability, to cause chaos.

2. Data leaks can hit anyone
Whether you’re running global races or local offices, the principle’s the same: if sensitive data is stored online, it’s at risk. Protecting it means thinking beyond antivirus software, it’s about identity access control, encryption, and continuous monitoring.

3. Prevention beats panic 
Thankfully, this vulnerability was caught before criminals got their hands on the data. But not every organisation gets that lucky. Having a solid cybersecurity strategy and incident response plan can make all the difference between a close call and a crisis.

At Workflo Solutions, we help businesses take a proactive approach, tightening security at every layer, from endpoint protection to cloud access. Because in today’s world, it’s not about if you’ll be targeted. It’s about when.  If F1 drivers can get hacked despite their many cybersecurity partnerships, imagine what could happen to businesses that don’t have the same defences.

Stay ahead with Workflo Solutions’ Managed IT Services in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Livingston. We also extend our expertise to Central Scotland, Perth, Fife, Dunfermline, and Preston.