FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem shuts down ‘immature’ claims of breakaway F1 series
In recent years the Mohammed Ben Sulayem-led FIA has been at the throat of Formula 1 for varied reasons.
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)
The tensions between Formula 1 and the FIA escalated recently, especially over Andretti’s bid to join as the 11th team on the grid. However, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem now claims that the two bodies relationship has significantly improved. The friction arose when Sulayem sought a larger share of F1 finances for the FIA, which led to conflicts. He emphasized his confusion about what went wrong and questioned whether he should have funded the necessary resources out of his own pocket.
There has been speculation in the past about FOM considering a breakaway series, particularly when tensions arose between the teams and the governing body. However, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem firmly dismissed the notion of a breakaway series. He referred to the previous discussions as “nonsense” and urged the stakeholders to act more maturely. Sulayem expressed frustration over spin-off rumors, emphasizing that they are unrealistic and should not be entertained in Formula 1.
All that nonsense we had before, that talk about a spin-off, come on, for God’s sake. Can we behave a bit more maturely? That’s not going to happen.
Ben Sulayem told Motorsport
Ben Sulayem conveyed a clear message about avoiding further tensions in Formula 1. He acknowledged past conflicts but firmly stated that he wouldn’t seek to reclaim commercial rights from FOM. The 62-year-old signaled a desire for stability in the sport and mentioned that the relationship is much better than in the past.
Sulayem highlighted that F1 now appreciates the FIA’s vital role in ensuring safety and fair regulations as this partnership is essential. FOM relies on the stewards to maintain competitive integrity, which is crucial for the sport’s credibility. Additionally, the FIA plays a vital role in ensuring a secure environment for drivers and teams.
The FIA now understands that this is a ship that doesn’t need any more rocking. And while we may have our differences, I’m not going to cross the line by saying I want the commercial rights back. I really don’t.
Ben Sulayem stated
FIA president Ben Sulayem feels Liberty Media knows how to market F1
Since acquiring Formula 1 in 2017, Liberty Media has revitalized its marketing strategy, enhancing visibility and global appeal. The launch of F1 TV and a robust social media presence have improved digital engagement for fans. Notably, the Netflix series “Drive to Survive” has attracted new audiences by highlighting the sport’s drama and personalities. Acknowledging this success, Sulayem stated that he would only choose Liberty Media as a promoter. He emphasized that they clearly know how to work for the benefit of Formula 1.
If you were to ask me now who I would choose as a promoter – if I were the one who could decide – I would choose Liberty Media. Because they know how to market this sport.
Ben Sulayem explained.
Liberty Media has significantly strengthened the pinnacle of motor racing by securing high-profile sponsorships and partnerships, enhancing the sport’s financial stability. These efforts, combined with innovative marketing strategies, have fostered a remarkable increase in popularity and viewership. As of 2024, approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide tune in to watch Formula 1. This marks a striking contrast to the pre-COVID era when the average audience was around 87 million viewers per race.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)