In the midst of a palpable power struggle, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem forges ahead, asserting he isn’t solely reliant on “the Formula 1 teams” for backing.
Amid the controversy, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has notably seen his wife, Susie, initiate defamation actions against Ben Sulayem following his contentious remarks earlier in the year.
Moreover, allegations have surfaced about Ben Sulayem’s attempts to hinder Liberty Media’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix and his involvement in race stewards’ decisions.
Recently, the FIA has responded by releasing numerous supportive statements from various automobile clubs and members of its Paris-based governing body.
“I am overwhelmed by the support of the FIA members,” Ben Sulayem revealed to AFP news agency. “People need to understand that it is the members who put me where I am.”
“It is not the media or the Formula 1 teams who are at the origin. I respect them, but I was not elected to care about their opinion or anyone’s opinion of me. I care about what was promised in my program.”
“I wish the accusations against me were just accusations, but I have been convicted in the court of public opinion,” he continued. “I have nothing to hide.”
The crux of the accusations targeting the 62-year-old former rally driver emanates predominantly from within the Formula 1 community.
“They haven’t had the guts to come and see me. Honestly, I can stand up straight, look you in the eye and tell you that I’m a sportsman and I play by the rules.”
“I know who is behind all this, but I cannot say.”
When probed about his relationships within F1, Ben Sulayem denied any significant discord, particularly with Formula One Management, Liberty Media’s sports commercial rights holder.
“Very good,” he affirmed regarding his ties with FOM. “FOM is our partner. I have no problem. I just want to continue doing business with them.”
While external to Red Bull’s internal power dynamics, which involve Christian Horner, Ben Sulayem maintains a diplomatic stance.
“I sympathise with all stakeholders in this matter,” he stated. “But we are external actors in all of this. We cannot add fuel to the fire.”
“I have confidence in the investigation that has been carried out, the other party has the right to appeal, but does this concern the FIA? I don’t think so.”
GMM
