FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem faces allegations of abuse of authority within the international motorsport governing body. A whistleblower accuses him of instructing inspectors to fabricate reasons to delay certification for the Las Vegas Grand Prix track, potentially leading to the race’s cancellation.
Ben Sulayem is accused of influencing Formula 1 race officials to overturn a penalty during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The whistleblower’s report to the FIA’s ethics committee suggests that Ben Sulayem orchestrated a delayed track inspection in Las Vegas to manufacture safety concerns and prevent the circuit’s approval. Despite this, the inspection proceeded, but a subsequent incident involving Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari raised questions about the track’s safety during the first practice session.
These allegations paint a picture of Ben Sulayem adopting a confrontational approach to sports governance. After a contentious first year in office, during which he clashed with Formula 1 over various issues, including financial matters and race formats, Ben Sulayem announced his withdrawal from direct involvement in Formula 1.
One significant dispute arose when Ben Sulayem challenged Formula 1’s reported valuation, leading to a cease-and-desist letter from the commercial rights holder.
Another contentious incident occurred at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Ben Sulayem allegedly intervened to overturn a penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso, a move that raised questions due to Aston Martin’s sponsorship ties with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company.
The FIA’s ethics committee is investigating these allegations, with a report expected in the coming weeks. If Ben Sulayem remains in office for the remainder of his term, his ability to influence Formula 1 may be severely compromised.
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