Last Updated on March 4 2024, 11:13 pm

Allegations against FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have hit the headlines in the wake of the Christian Horner scandal. Now Formula One is on the verge of another major controversy that could shake the very foundations of the sport’s governing body.

The man at the centre of this storm is none other than Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), who is now facing serious allegations of manipulating a Formula One race result.

According to an in-depth report by the BBC and their chief F1 editor Andrew Benson, a whistleblower has come forward with claims that could tarnish the integrity of Formula One’s competitive spirit and governance.

 

 

Who is Sulayem?

Born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 12 November 1961, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s foray into the world of motorsport began with a successful career as a rally driver. Sulayem is arguably the most successful Arab rally driver in history, having won the Middle East Rally Championship an unprecedented 14 times.

His dominance of the regional rallying scene not only made him a household name in the Middle East, but also demonstrated his dedication and skill in motorsport and laid the foundations for his future administrative roles.

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Ascent to power

After retiring from active competition, Sulayem did not leave the sport he loved. Instead, he moved into motorsport administration, using his experience and passion to help develop the sport. His involvement with the Emirates Motorsports Organisation, now known as the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO), underlined his commitment to promoting motorsport in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.

Under his leadership, EMSO has made significant strides in organising events, promoting safety and developing talent, establishing the UAE as a key player in the international motorsport arena.

His contributions were recognised by the FIA, where he took on various roles, including that of Vice President of Sport for the Middle East. His work in these roles involved not only overseeing motorsport activities in the region, but also contributing to the global governance of the sport. Sulayem’s efforts have been instrumental in bridging the gap between the Middle East and the wider motorsport community, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the administration of the sport.

The culmination of Sulayem’s journey in motorsport governance came in December 2021, when he was elected President of the FIA, succeeding Jean Todt. His election was a historic moment, as he became the first person from the Middle East to lead the organisation. 

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Alleged interference in race results

The allegations stem from an incident at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, was initially penalised for a procedural infringement during a pit stop. However, in a controversial turn of events, this penalty was later overturned, allowing Alonso to retain his podium position.

According to the whistleblower via the BBC, Ben Sulayem played a pivotal role in this decision-making process, allegedly contacting Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA’s Vice-President of Sport for the Middle East and North Africa region, to express his desire for the penalty to be overturned.

The seriousness of these allegations cannot be overstated. The report by FIA Compliance Officer Paolo Basarri, which is now being considered by the FIA Ethics Committee, uses the term “pretendere” – translated from Italian as “to demand” or “to expect” – to describe Ben Sulayem’s alleged intervention. This allegation, if proven, raises profound questions about the impartiality and integrity of Formula One’s regulatory framework.

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The context of the controversy

The incident in question revolves around Alonso’s car being worked on during a penalty period, a violation that initially resulted in an additional penalty. The reversal of this decision in controversial circumstances affected not only Alonso’s position but also the overall result of the race, with Mercedes’ George Russell directly affected.

This situation added to a series of controversies that have characterised Ben Sulayem’s tenure since his election in December 2021. From disagreements over the expansion of sprint races to legal challenges and public relations gaffes, his presidency has been marked by a number of disputes.

In particular, Ben Sulayem’s approach to leadership and handling of various issues has led to widespread concern within the Formula One community and calls for change at the top of the FIA.

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Wider implications and reactions

The BBC’s investigation into this matter, corroborated by senior figures within Formula One and the FIA, represents the potential for a seismic shift in the governance of the sport. The allegations against Ben Sulayem not only call into question the credibility of the FIA, but also highlight the delicate balance between regulatory authority and the autonomy of stewards.

The unfolding controversy has thrust the FIA’s Ethics Committee into the spotlight, and the motorsport world awaits its findings with bated breath. The outcome of this investigation is likely to have a significant impact on Ben Sulayem’s future as FIA President and could trigger wider reforms within the organisation.

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Looking ahead

The allegations against Mohammed Ben Sulayem represent a critical juncture for the sport and its governing body, underscoring the need for transparency, accountability and fairness in all aspects of its operations.

The resolution of this controversy will not only affect the individuals directly involved, but will also shape the future of Formula One governance.  The coming weeks are crucial, not just for those directly involved, but for everyone who believes in the fair and just governance of the world’s premier motorsport series and let’s not forget, the current president isn’t exactly the most popular. A black mark against Sulayem’s integrity could be useful leverage indeed.

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