Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes it’s “impossible” for the FIA to get the recognition it deserves from Formula 1 for its contributions to the sport, insisting the governing body “only gets rubbish”.
Since taking the helm of motorsport’s governing body in December 2021, Ben Sulayem’s presidency has not been without its controversies.
The Emirati’s leadership style and decisions have occasionally drawn criticism from within the sport. His outspoken nature has occasionally ruffled feathers, with some perceiving his candid comments as disruptive to the delicate balance between the FIA, Formula 1, and commercial rights holders Liberty Media.
However, on the positive side, Ben Sulayem has overseen several improvements n F1, including the introduction of a remote operations centre to assist race control, a training programme for stewards and race directors, and more recently, a new department dedicated to officiating talent recruitment.
One of the standout innovations under his leadership has been the solution to the long-standing issue of track limits at the Red Bull Ring, implemented during the Austrian Grand Prix.
The system has been praised for resolving a persistent problem, with the potential to benefit both F1 and MotoGP circuits.
However, when asked in an interview with Motorsport.com if the FIA received enough credit for solving such a critical issue, Ben Sulayem’s response was blunt: “No, we will never get the credit. Impossible. We'll only get rubbish. That I know."
Ben Sulayem’s frustration extends beyond a lack of public recognition. He also believes the FIA has been shortchanged financially by F1 despite making substantial investments in the sport.
“When you look at it, everybody made money out of the FIA, everyone except the FIA. Everyone gets the credit, except the FIA. It’s true,” he added.
"When I took over, we had a running operating cost of minus 20 million. Why? Because we have our income as everybody. But look at the promoters… And good on them and I congratulate them, they are smart enough to do that…
Despite praising Liberty Media for transforming Formula 1 into the very profitable global powerhouse it is today, Ben Sulayem makes it clear that the FIA’s role in governing the sport is fundamental and deserves to be recognized as an equal partner.
"I'll be very, very honest, as always. So, Liberty Media did a great job in transforming Formula 1. If you tell me if I could go back in time, would I undo [that]? No way. I wouldn't undo that, but I would just make sure that the FIA is two equals with them.
"They are a good promoter, they are. If you ask me today: is there anyone who is capable as much as them? I can see that [there isn't]. I support them in what they are doing. The FIA works with them in the best [possible] way.
"But then, the regulations and the governance is the [work of the] FIA.
"And then, let everyone make money. Let the drivers have fun, race in a safe way and make money. And let the team principals make more money, [and] they are.
"But the FIA will never get the credit. Impossible,” the FIA president concluded, underscoring the inherent challenges the organization faces in garnering the recognition it deserves.
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