BEN SULAYEM: “FIA IS NOT APPRECIATED ENOUGH!”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes that the federation is not receiving the praise it deserves for the improvements it has made in the way the sport is run.

Since Ben Sulayem became FIA president in December 2021, the federation has established a remote operations center to assist with race control and launched a program to train and guide stewards and race directors. Earlier this year, the FIA also introduced a new track limits solution at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, which seemed to solve a long-standing issue and could potentially be used on other circuits in both F1 and MotoGP.

When asked during an exclusive interview with whether he thought the FIA was being appreciated enough for solving this issue, Ben Sulayem responded, “No. We will never get the praise, it’s impossible.”

He believes that the FIA not only deserves more praise but also more financial recognition for all the investments it has made in the sport.

“So, when you look at it, everyone except the FIA has made money from the FIA. Everyone except the FIA gets praise.”
“When I took over, our operational costs were minus 20 million. Liberty Media has done a great job transforming Formula 1. If you asked me to go back, I wouldn’t take that back, but I would ensure the FIA is on equal footing with them.”
“They are good supporters, and I support them in what they do. The FIA works with them in the best way possible.”
“But regulations and governance are the FIA’s job.”