Mohammed Ben Sulayem claims ‘friction’ between F1 and FIA helps everyone to ‘bring out the best’

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been acting as the President of the FIA since december 2021.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem claims ‘friction’ between F1 and FIA helps everyone to ‘bring out the best’

Mohammed Ben Sulayem(uae), President of the FIA, DOMENICALI Stefano (ita), Chairman and CEO Formula One Group (Credits: Imago)

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of FIA, has come out to talk about the relationship between F1 and its governing body. In the last few years, there have been quite a few verbal tussles between the organizations.

F1 has reached massive heights and today, has become one of the most viewed sport all over the world. While the pinnacle of motor racing has gained popularity, there have been quite a few things around which the FIA and F1 have not seen eye to eye.

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem was recently asked to dwell on the two bodies relationship, and added, as reported by Motorsport Magazine:

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We define clarity between ourselves and 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. I keep saying that and I believe it too. Friction is sometimes healthy to bring out the best.

Looking at the reaction of Sulayem, it is quite evident that he ardently feels, that tension between the FIA and F1 helps the two bodies in bringing out their best. He does not see the tension as a big issue as both parties want what is good for the sport.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made controversial remarks on F1 in recent times

While the FIA boss has indicated that friction is sometimes necessary between the the governing body and F1, Sulayem himself has done some things in recent times that have not sat well with in the F1 paddock.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Mohammed Ben Sulayem (Credits: Planet F1)

Quite recently, under his leadership, questions were raised against Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff regarding a conflict of ineterst. While the accussations were taken back, it caused quite an uproar in the F1 paddock and also among the die-hard fans.

Then there was the past incident where Sulayem talked about bringing back the former FIA Race Director, Michael Masi. All such things have contributed to the Emirati having a villainous reputation at the pinnaclee of motor racing.

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