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 sporting 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 stated 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 should be given directions by way of the media, about issues as trivial because the sporting 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 facet for Ben Sulayem.
Drivers are not often 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 Staff, third place, on the rostrum
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Earlier than Ben Sulayem was elected in 2021, he was interviewed by Autosport the place he laid out his plans if he had been elected.
“I need to develop the FIA,” he stated. “I believe there may be potential. I really feel there may be potential to develop the competitors.”
He additionally stated: “In motorsport, we now have 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 some other place in Africa, there may be numerous potential.
“Tips on how to develop it’s initially to make it inexpensive. As we speak the game is pricey. Even go-karting may be very costly. You may see folks 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 Formulation 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 stated, over the previous few months at the least, his relationship with F1 boss Stefano Domenicali might be the perfect 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’t afford to make enemies with FOM if he needs to be re-elected.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
Ben Sulayem lately advised Autosport that he would welcome competitors as he begins his election marketing campaign, which would definitely be a very good factor.
He stated: “If there’s anybody who needs to have a [presidential] race with me, [I would be] very happy.
“We talked about democracy. It is democracy on a regular basis, not a part of the time. So I am very happy [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 big potential for change and restructuring.
Ordinarily, he would want the assist 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 at present no different candidate who has expressed an curiosity in working for workplace.
Which means, regardless of being condemned by the GPDA, ought to the FIA elections be uncontested, Ben Sulayem could be re-elected for a second time period, working to 2029.