Mohammed Ben Sulayem is seeking a second term as FIA president, despite harsh criticism of his leadership style and sometimes brutal accusations. He remains completely unfazed, he says. “Seriously, I don’t read all the criticism. I have better things to do.”
On the first floor of the FIA’s hospitality space, Mohammed Ben Sulayem arrives exactly at the agreed time for the interview. He has prepared thoroughly, as evidenced by the A4 sheets in his hand. Just the way we like it.
Before the first question can be asked, the 63-year-old former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates takes the initiative. Call it an opening statement. He hasn’t even started campaigning for his re-election as president, he begins with a smile. Then: “I am busy with more important things, such as finalizing the new Concorde Agreement (which primarily sets out the commercial arrangements between all stakeholders in Formula 1, ed). And that there are elections coming up and that there is now a rival candidate? That’s the beauty of a democratic organization like the FIA. But as I said, I am currently busy working with Formula One Management to come to good agreements within the framework of the Concorde Agreement. That’s important, because the FIA has a big responsibility. But remember, the FIA is much more than just Formula 1. We also have other disciplines and world championships.”
Well, that’s clear.
‘The media doesn’t affect me’
Then to the current affairs. Two days before the interview, American Tim Mayer announces his candidacy for the FIA presidency in Silverstone. The former FIA steward, who was personally fired by Ben Sulayem last year, speaks big words during a convened press conference, slightly outside the paddock. He describes Ben Sulayem’s policy as a regime of fear and talks about an illusion of inclusivity, transparency, and integrity at the FIA.
– How does such criticism affect you?
“Some people say that I have developed a thick skin, that I let everything slide off me. That’s true. The media doesn’t affect me. Or rather, I don’t read everything. I only read about important matters.”
– But you must have noticed Mayer’s personal attack on you? He talks about a reign of terror, among other things.
“I indeed heard about that. I feel sorry for people who say such things and no longer have any relationship with the FIA. Have you ever worked at the FIA? I would suggest you take the test and check if there’s any truth to it. Ask people who currently work at the FIA, they have the right to speak. Tim Mayer has worked as an FIA steward, but that doesn’t make you an FIA insider or FIA staff member. The FIA is formed by its members. Feel free to talk to them. I certainly don’t feel the need to defend myself or campaign in this way. I have other things to do. And he (Mayer) can say what he wants. As we say in the Arab world: the tongue has no bones.”
– Is Mayer perhaps driven by resentment?
“Listen, what happened last year was something between him and the FIA. Is our system perfect? No, every system can be improved. If he disagrees with something, he can go to the International Court of Arbitration, but I’m not going to get involved. I don’t meddle in small matters. The FIA is bigger than this, bigger than me, bigger than anyone.”
‘I can’t stop, I won’t stop’
– Is he a dangerous competitor in the race for the presidency?
“I don’t know. I can’t afford to be consumed by campaigning. There are so many things that need to be sorted out right now. And when it comes to criticism of me in the media: it’s the members who vote, only they decide if they want me as their president or X, Y, or Z. I know that everything I do is good for the members. I can’t stop and I won’t stop. And I wish everyone else the best. If there’s a better candidate, the members will vote for them.”
– Given all the criticism and accusations, why are you actually running for re-election?
“I’m on a mission. And I love the FIA. When I took office in 2021, financial housekeeping had to be done and the FIA needed restructuring. We’re almost done with that. And not everyone is satisfied with the FIA? So be it. Yesterday, I spoke to two Formula 2 drivers who have been victims of online hate, that’s much more important for me to invest my energy in. If there are people who want to tear up the FIA flag and spit on it, fine, I’ll even give them one for free. Let them go! They have zero influence on the FIA. The example of two young drivers being affected by everything they get online affects me much more. That’s our joint responsibility, of the FIA, but also of the media. Help us protect our young drivers.”
Drivers’ Feedback and the FIA’s Response
Speaking of criticism, drivers often say they want to be heard more and better by the FIA.
“I have sat with them. And with WRC and other drivers. They all have my phone number. They speak with me and I with them. But when we talk about the ban on swearing on FIA channels, believe me, I will always stick to that. I was once a driver myself, but I never swore. We just have to control ourselves, the drivers too. They are all intelligent people, ambassadors of our sport. In fact, they are the future of our sport.
Muhammad Ali, the Greatest
For me personally, Muhammad Ali was the greatest sportsman in the world. I never heard him swear. And back to motorsport, I have not heard Lewis Hamilton swear, with any of his teams. We have now amended paragraph B of the International Sport Code to soften the sanctions against swearing. So we have indeed listened to the drivers. At the same time, we also act in the general interest and the interest of the FIA.
Superlicense System and Penalty Points
Another example, recently some drivers have spoken out about the superlicense system and the penalty points. Based on this, we have made improvements and I understood that George Russell, as chairman of the drivers’ union, was satisfied with it. Whether further adjustment is needed to perhaps focus the system more or the most blatant examples, we are investigating. You know, our rules are not God’s handbook. Our rules are made by people and those rules can be improved. In fact, they must be improved. Again, we listen to our athletes.”
– You’ve spoken with Max Verstappen quite a few times, even on the grid. How would you describe your relationship?
“As good as with all other drivers. Max is a great champion, a young champion too. So he’s hungry, smart, and he really wants to win. The same goes for McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. And then there’s Charles Leclerc. They are all fantastic drivers. And you see them maturing quickly. Fifteen years ago, you didn’t see so many young people on the grid. I remember signing Kimi Antonelli’s super license and seeing that he was 17. When you let that sink in, it’s actually incredible.”
‘The grass always seems greener on the other side’
At Silverstone, there is much speculation about a possible move from Max Verstappen from Red Bull to Mercedes. Ben Sulayem says he only follows the developments in the driver market very broadly. “Drivers will always be looking for the best team and the best environment to be successful. That’s logical. As you also know, the grass always seems greener on the other side. Changes are normal and part of the sport. But I don’t interfere.”
– On a completely different note, it’s the shared ambition of the FIA and Formula One Management to organize an F1 race on the African continent in the future. You previously expressed a preference for Rwanda…
“No! Not for Rwanda, but for Africa. You know, I still believe we need more teams and more races. It’s just that the drivers have come to me before and said: ‘Please, not more races’. For them, 24 races are too demanding. But Africa as a continent has always been a bit forgotten. I’m proud that we organized the FIA General Assembly in Rwanda for the first time in history last year.”
– But Rwanda is a country with human rights violations and other problems…
“Yes, you can go in that direction. And if you talk about the Middle East where we have four F1 races, it’s often about human rights and sports washing. Fine, but we are at the Qatar Airways British Grand Prix. So it just doesn’t make sense. I’m a supporter of Africa. When we look at a location in Africa, we follow our normal procedure and will pay close attention to the financial aspect of the story and the financial stability. In addition, they will certainly also ensure that there is stability in other areas in the respective country.”
– You’ve mentioned that you’re in favor of more teams on the grid. Next year, we’re already welcoming Cadillac, but there’s also been speculation about a twelfth F1 team, possibly with a Chinese manufacturer. Is this something you’re pushing for?
“The key with any potential new team is that they follow the process and meet all the regulatory and admission requirements. Ultimately, it’s about keeping the Formula 1 business model healthy.”
‘New team must add value’
– Some of the current teams are already nervous about the arrival of an eleventh team next year, let alone a twelfth, due to the impact on their sponsorship income and the distribution of prize money.
“I’m a sportsman too, and I value the spirit of the sport. Of course, I understand the initial fear of the teams that the pie will then have to be divided into eleven pieces, but at the same time, the pie also gets bigger. As FIA, we carefully monitor the long term. We have to keep the sport healthy. But if a twelfth team from China comes and adds value to the continuity of the Formula 1 business, I’m sure the existing teams will agree. But if we’re talking about a twelfth team, just to fill up the grid, then we’re not going to do it. It has to be the right proposition.”
– Speaking of the Formula 1 business model, has the budget cap proven to be a success in your opinion?
“Yes! But we’re not there yet. There are still so many areas where it can be cheaper. Like in the engine area. Think of a simpler engine, like a V8 on fully sustainable fuel. The teams are behind it, hopefully we’ll have something by 2029. This is the right direction needed to keep the sport running, despite there still being people who think unlimited money can be made in Formula 1. As chairman, I hope to make a difference with this. This is not a job, this is a responsibility. At least, that’s how I feel.”
– What do you hope your legacy will be in, say, ten, twenty years?
“That the FIA is a healthy, strong organization. We live in a world full of challenges and changes, but our foundation must be strong.”
