Ben Sulayem believes FIA deserves more recognition as they ‘only get rubbish’

Photo: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

30. 09. 2024
2 min

Ben Sulayem believes FIA deserves more recognition as they ‘only get rubbish’

Tereza Hořínková
News.gp journalist and a girl with big dreams

Formula 1 fia f1controversies bensulayem

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem claims it is "impossible" for the federation to receive the recognition he believes it deserves for its efforts in improving the management of Formula 1.

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Since Ben Sulayem took office as FIA president in December 2021, the federation has established a remote operations center to support race control at the track and initiated a program to train and mentor stewards and race directors.

Earlier this year, the FIA also implemented a new track limits solution at the Austrian Grand Prix, which appears to have resolved a long-standing issue at the Red Bull Ring. This solution could potentially be applied to other circuits shared by both F1 and MotoGP.

Regarding that, Ben Sulayem believes the FIA deserves greater recognition for its widespread improvements in motorsport.

In response to Motorsport.com's question about whether he believes the FIA has received sufficient recognition for resolving this specific issue, Ben Sulayem stated:

"No, we will never get the credit. Impossible. We'll only get rubbish. That I know."

The FIA president believes the governing body deserves not only recognition but also appreciation for its investments aimed at enhancing motorsport.

"When you look at it, everybody made money out of the FIA, everyone except the FIA.

"Everyone gets the credit, except the FIA,” addressed disappointed Sulayem.

Since Liberty Media took ownership of Formula 1, the sport has experienced a significant transformation, growing larger than ever. While Ben Sulayem fully supports Liberty Media's efforts in expanding F1 and believes no other company could have done a better job, he wishes that, if given the chance to go back, he would ensure the FIA is treated as an equal partner alongside Liberty Media.

"It's true,” he continued.

“When I took over, we had a running operating cost of minus 20 million. Why? Because we have our income as everybody.

"But look at the promoters… And good on them and I congratulate them, they are smart enough to do that…

"But I'll be very, very honest, as always. So Liberty Media did a great job in transforming Formula 1. If you tell me if I could go back in time, would I undo [that]? No way. I wouldn't undo that, but I would just make sure that the FIA is two equals with them.

"They are a good promoter, they are. If you ask me today: is there anyone who is capable as much as them? I can see that [there isn't]. I support them in what they are doing. The FIA works with them in the best [possible] way.

"But then, the regulations and the governance is the [work of the] FIA.

"And then, let everyone make money. Let the drivers have fun, race in a safe way and make money. And let the team principals make more money, [and] they are.

"But the FIA will never get the credit. Impossible,” he concluded.

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