Mohammed Ben Sulayem discovered himself the topic of a damning letter from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Affiliation final week at an important time as he’s quickly approaching one other election yr.
Throughout his tenure as FIA president, Ben Sulayem has trodden the political minefield whereas carrying magnetic boots.
From his preposterous attention to banning jewellery and insisting upon fireproof pants to his authorized warning from Liberty Media following his feedback on the valuation of F1, he has been lampooned for his working of F1’s governing physique.
His recent focus on swearing drew the ire of the GPDA, which pointedly mentioned in its assertion: “We urge the FIA president to additionally think about his personal tone and language when speaking to our member drivers, or certainly about them, whether or not in a public discussion board or in any other case.
“Additional, our members are adults, they don’t must be given directions through the media, about issues as trivial because the carrying of jewelry and underpants.”
Whereas it was the content material of the GPDA letter that drew the eye, it ought to be the truth that drivers are united of their condemnation of his actions which is essentially the most critical side for Ben Sulayem.
Drivers are hardly ever aligned on such issues, apart from when it pertains to security. The actual fact they’ve all come out in criticism of the FIA president speaks volumes about how they view him as he appears to be like to boost his fame.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, congratulates George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 Group, third place, on the rostrum
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Earlier than Ben Sulayem was elected in 2021, he was interviewed by Autosport the place he laid out his plans if he have been elected.
“I need to develop the FIA,” he mentioned. “I believe there may be potential. I really feel there may be potential to develop the competitors.”
He additionally mentioned: “In motorsport, we’ve to develop the numbers and I consider whether or not it’s in Latin America or whether it is in India, or whether it is in China, or every other place in Africa, there may be lots of potential.
“How you can develop it’s to begin with to make it reasonably priced. In the present day the game is pricey. Even go-karting could be very costly. You possibly can see individuals would spend $300,000 {dollars} for a full season for a younger driver. Competitors prices that a lot.”
It is rather troublesome to see how, if in any respect, he has made optimistic strides in fulfilling his manifesto guarantees.
It might be argued that below his stewardship, the FIA’s energy has even regressed whereas that of Method One Administration [FOM], and undoubtedly the groups, has elevated considerably.
That has not been helped by his personal errors, which have served to check relationships with FOM.
That mentioned, over the previous few months a minimum of, his relationship with F1 boss Stefano Domenicali might be the most effective it has been since he has been elected. The gaffes have been much less expansive and there’s a feeling that maybe deep down he is aware of he can not afford to make enemies with FOM if he desires to be re-elected.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photographs
Ben Sulayem not too long ago informed Autosport that he would welcome competitors as he begins his election marketing campaign, which will surely be factor.
He mentioned: “If there’s anybody who desires to have a [presidential] race with me, [I would be] more than pleased.
“We talked about democracy. It is democracy on a regular basis, not a part of the time. So I am more than pleased [to take it up against somebody else].”
It feels as if this latest criticism and the aforementioned blunders ought to have opened up an thrilling race for the FIA presidency, providing large potential for change and restructuring.
Ordinarily, he would wish the help of FOM, the groups and the drivers to win – solely that’s the purpose; as we sit 12 months out from a vote between the FIA members, there may be presently no different candidate who has expressed an curiosity in working for workplace.
Meaning, regardless of being condemned by the GPDA, ought to the FIA elections be uncontested, Ben Sulayem can be re-elected for a second time period, working to 2029.