FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem affirms the sports governing body remains the ‘head of the house’ in F1

Formula 1 and the FIA are having a difficult time lately. Tensions have been rising between the two parties over the past year. Formula One Management or FOM was not happy after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem claimed that a $20 billion valuation for the sport was exaggerated. Moreover, the sports governing body went against F1’s view on opening the process for an eleventh team on the grid. Now, Ben Sulayem has called for fairness regarding the sport’s valuation.

It was rumored that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund was looking to buy F1 for $20 billion. Although, these rumors did not materialize. The FIA President mentioned that this valuation process should be fair and clear. Although, Mohammed Ben Sulayem made it clear that he has no influence over the stock prices of the sport, his mission was to ensure fairness.

I am not involved in the stock price or ticket sales. We just need fairness here, that’s my mission.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem told Motorsport Magazin

The 62-year-old affirmed that the FIA was looking to have clarity between itself and the FOM as well as Liberty Media. Ben Sulayem claimed that he was representing the head of the house in this regard. As the FIA remained the governing body of Formula 1. Additionally, the Emirati made it clear that the FIA was not a service provider to the pinnacle of motorsport. F1 President Stefano Domenicali has been in talks with Ben Sulayem in recent months.

We define clarity between ourselves and the FOM, Liberty [Media]. That’s good. We need to understand who I represent. I represent the head of the house. We are not a service provider!

Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes friction between F1 and the FIA could be healthy

The FIA President reckoned that such tensions between the sport and the governing body could end up being beneficial in the long run. Ben Sulayem compared the current situation to the human body. The 62-year-old highlighted that if a person was experiencing pain after waking up, at least they would be aware that something was not right.

Subsequently, the present status has shown that F1 and the FIA need to sort things out. The sports governing body has faced backlash from the entire paddock in the last couple of years. However, Ben Sulayem has stood firm with his activities as he continues to lead the organization.

The FIA has seen a major reshuffle with three key personnel leaving their positions before the start of the 2024 season. However, there is a long way to go before Mohammed Ben Sulayem could find common ground with FOM. Fans would be hoping to see a more united connection between the two parties in the coming months.

In case you missed it:

• Max Verstappen’s long-term sponsor, with $11 billion revenue a year, spills the beans on cutting ties with the F1 champion
• Ex-Moto GP Champion Fabio Quartararo wishes Lewis Hamilton on his 39th birthday

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW