Mohammed Ben Sulayem discovered himself the topic of a damning letter from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Affiliation final week at a vital time as he’s quickly approaching one other election 12 months.
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 operating 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 contemplate 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 through 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 needs to be the truth that drivers are united of their condemnation of his actions which is essentially the most severe side 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 seems to be to boost his repute.
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 stated. “I feel there’s potential. I really feel there’s potential to develop the competitors.”
He additionally stated: “In motorsport, we’ve got to develop the numbers and I imagine 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’s quite a lot of potential.
“Easy methods to develop it’s to start with to make it inexpensive. At the moment the game is dear. Even go-karting may be very costly. You possibly can see folks would spend $300,000 {dollars} for a full season for a younger driver. Competitors prices that a lot.”
It is vitally tough to see how, if in any respect, he has made optimistic strides in fulfilling his manifesto guarantees.
It could possibly be argued that beneath his stewardship, the FIA’s energy has even regressed whereas that of System 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 no less than, his relationship with F1 boss Stefano Domenicali might be one of the best 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 instructed Autosport that he would welcome competitors as he begins his election marketing campaign, which will surely be a superb factor.
He stated: “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 current 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 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’s at present no different candidate who has expressed an curiosity in operating for workplace.
Meaning, 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, operating to 2029.
