FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem BLAMES British media for ‘convicting’ him over swear ban
Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the British media played a role in him coming under fire following Max Verstappen's swearing controversy.
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)
Over the past few years, the clashes between Formula 1 drivers and the FIA have skyrocketed. With Max Verstappen being penalized for swearing in a press conference, a massive outrage began in the paddock. Moreover, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem being the face of the organization, he was the first one to be called out by multiple news outlets.
The Max Verstappen-FIA saga had escaped the boundaries of a two-party interaction when drivers and fans started joking about how there would be a massive clampdown on any person if they did not follow the governing body’s strict guidelines. In reaction, the Dutchman started acting disobediently at press conferences, causing further pressure on the international body to give the drivers some leeway.
This led to many ultimately attacking Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The Emirati has defended himself and said that he was convicted by British media for the regulatory body’s decision.
I respect Max [Verstappen] because I’m a driver. I was a champion and I respect winners and champions. I see he had his share [of mistreatment], but let’s talk about me. If you look at the British media and what they did to me. For God’s sake, they convicted me. They didn’t accuse me [of anything], but they keep on [going]. And do I care? No. Why? Because what are they after? They are after selling and getting more coverage for them[selves].
Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in an interview with Motorsport
While Sulayem is not the first person to have suffered the wrath of British media, drivers and many respectable F1 personalities have started to raise their voices against the biases and unjustified criticism they face.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem asserts he does not care about the allegations swirling around the paddock
Despite being at the receiving end of the accusations, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stood strong on his responsibilities. His recent statements shed light on the dynamics of the F1 world and illustrate how the FIA is often thrown under the bus in dicey situations.
But life goes on. You know what they did to me? They made me stronger. I’m more careful now and more wise. I have the support [of the member clubs], and if and when the members decide it’s time to change me as president, it’s their call. But I don’t go back to anyone, I don’t answer very much of you [members of the media] and I don’t retaliate. Why? Because I don’t have the time. I’m so busy answering what the members and motorsport want.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in the same interview
Regardless of such claims, Sulayem asserted that he does not care about the allegations made about him or the FIA. However, the 62-year-old’s presidential term is nearing the end of its tenure, which could make him take a soft stance on certain issues to continue his tenure for another term.
On the other hand, FIA has often turned a blind eye to pressing issues within the paddock. This has deteriorated its credibility in the grand scheme of things, which would take a lot longer to restore if the necessary fixes are not initiated soon.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)