The Formula One community, still reeling from the internal investigation into FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s alleged manipulation of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, finds itself in the midst of another brewing scandal. This time the controversy surrounds Sulayem’s alleged efforts to undermine the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, according to the BBC.

According to whistleblower allegations, Sulayem attempted to have the Las Vegas circuit deemed unsafe for Formula One racing, representing a significant potential interference in one of the sport’s most high-profile events.

The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was one of the most anticipated events on the Formula One calendar, promising to bring the high-octane spectacle of F1 racing to the heart of one of the world’s most iconic cities. However, the event has been mired in controversy since its inception, with several factors contributing to its controversial nature.

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High financial stakes and commercial interests

The controversy surrounding the Las Vegas Grand Prix stems primarily from the enormous financial stakes and significant commercial interests involved. Formula One and its commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, invested over $500 million in bringing the race to Las Vegas, seeing it as a golden opportunity to expand the sport’s presence in the United States and tap into a lucrative market.

This massive financial outlay raised questions about the commercialisation of the sport and whether the essence of Formula One was being compromised for the sake of entertainment and profit.

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Location and logistics

The choice of Las Vegas as the venue was both bold and controversial. Racing on a circuit that included parts of the Las Vegas Strip meant dealing with a host of logistical challenges, from ensuring the safety of the track to minimising disruption in one of the world’s busiest cities.

Concerns were raised about the feasibility of hosting a race in such a densely populated and commercially active area, with sceptics questioning the impact on local businesses and the potential for logistical nightmares.

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Security concerns

Safety concerns added another layer of controversy to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The ambitious nature of the track layout, particularly its proximity to the bustling Las Vegas Strip, posed unique security challenges. Critics argued that the glitz and glamour of the location should not overshadow the paramount importance of driver and spectator safety.

These concerns were confirmed when, on the first day of practice, a dislodged drain cover caused significant damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, resulting in the cancellation and delay of practice sessions. This incident highlighted the potential dangers of the circuit and fuelled further debate about the viability of the race.

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Tensions between the FIA and Liberty Media

A major source of tension between the FIA and Liberty Media has revolved around financial matters, specifically the revenue sharing model that dictates how Formula One’s substantial revenues are divided between the teams, the FIA and Liberty Media.

The FIA, under the presidency of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has been vocal in its desire for a greater share of Formula One’s revenues. The governing body argues that more resources are needed to effectively fulfil its regulatory duties, including improving safety and promoting motorsport worldwide.

Liberty Media, on the other hand, faces the challenge of maximising returns for its shareholders while ensuring that the sport remains financially viable and attractive to teams and sponsors.

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Sulayem’s alleged sabotage attempt

The BBC report highlights a brazen attempt by Sulayem, through his representatives, to dissuade FIA officials from certifying the Las Vegas circuit for Formula One racing. The whistleblower’s account, contained in a report by the FIA’s compliance officer, suggests that Sulayem’s aim was to artificially find faults with the circuit, regardless of whether they actually existed, in order to prevent the race from going ahead as planned.

This startling allegation comes from the same whistleblower who previously revealed Sulayem’s alleged directive to overturn Fernando Alonso’s penalty at the Saudi Grand Prix. The Las Vegas circuit, a glitzy new addition to the F1 calendar, was eventually approved by officials and the race went ahead as planned.

 

 

The motives behind the alleged intervention

The motives behind Sulayem’s alleged intervention are not entirely clear. However, the Las Vegas Grand Prix represented a significant investment for Formula One and its commercial rights holders, Liberty Media, with over $500 million spent on the event to boost the sport’s popularity in the United States. This backdrop of financial and strategic importance adds complexity to the allegations, given Sulayem’s known interest in renegotiating the financial terms between the FIA and Formula One.

As previously mentioned, long-standing tensions between Sulayem and Liberty Media, particularly over financial contributions and regulatory disputes, provide context to the whistleblower’s allegations.

In particular, Sulayem’s support for Michael Andretti’s potential entry into Formula One as an eleventh team has been a point of contention, further straining the relationship between the FIA President and Formula One management.

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The fallout and the FIA’s response

The FIA has responded to the allegations by asserting that the certification of the Las Vegas circuit followed standard inspection protocols, despite construction delays by local organisers. This official stance is intended to counter the whistleblower’s allegations and emphasise the integrity of the certification process.

The incident involving a dislodged drain cover on the first day of practice in Las Vegas, which led to the cancellation and delay of sessions, underlines the challenges faced in certifying new circuits. Despite this hiccup, the race was ultimately deemed a success, demonstrating Formula One’s ability to overcome logistical hurdles and deliver a spectacular event.

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A pattern of controversy

The allegations against Sulayem over the Las Vegas Grand Prix add to a series of controversies that have marked his tenure as FIA president. From disputes over sprint races and legal threats to allegations of past misogynistic comments, Sulayem’s leadership has been characterised by moments of tension and conflict.

Recent whistleblower allegations not only highlight internal divisions within the FIA, but also raise questions about the governance and oversight of Formula One’s governing body.

As the FIA Ethics Committee investigates these allegations, the Formula One community awaits clarity on the events surrounding the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Sulayem’s presidency and the future relationship between the FIA and Formula One.

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