A new controversy has emerged in Formula 1, placing FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem under scrutiny. Reports from prominent publications such as Italy’s La Repubblica, France’s L’Equipe, and Britain’s BBC have brought to light accusations of Ben Sulayem interfering with Formula 1 stewards’ decisions.
The core of the controversy revolves around an incident during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Ben Sulayem is accused of influencing the removal of a penalty that had been imposed on Fernando Alonso. According to La Repubblica, “The president is alleged to have intervened during the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP to have a penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso removed,” presenting a significant accusation against the FIA’s leadership.
With the ethics committee of the FIA set to make a ruling on this case within the next month and a half, the motorsport community is keenly awaiting the outcome.
The claims detail how Ben Sulayem reached out to his vice-president in the Middle East and North Africa, requesting the withdrawal of a penalty against the Aramco-sponsored Aston Martin team, which allowed Alonso to retain his podium position. Given Aramco’s status as a major Formula 1 sponsor, this development adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Touching the car with a jack is not working on the car. A silly interpretation of the rule was overturned, and rightfully so. Getting it right is not interference.