The world of Formula 1 racing thrives on speed, precision, and drama, both on and off the track. At the heart of its governance stands Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), who currently navigates a whirlwind of controversy and change. Since taking the helm in December 2021, this Emirati former rally driver brings a bold vision to motorsport’s governing body. However, his leadership sparks debates, legal threats, and fiery headlines as of March 11, 2025. Fans, drivers, and insiders alike watch closely as Ben Sulayem shapes the future of F1 amid growing tensions. Let’s dive into his journey, achievements, and the challenges rocking his presidency today.
From Rally Star to FIA Chief: Who Is Mohammed Ben Sulayem?
Mohammed Ben Sulayem boasts a story that blends grit, ambition, and a passion for cars. Born on November 12, 1961, in Dubai, he first roared onto the scene as a rally driver in the Middle East. Over two decades, he clinched 14 Middle East Rally Championship titles, driving for Toyota and Ford, and racked up over 60 wins. His success behind the wheel marks him as one of the region’s most celebrated motorsport figures. Transitioning from the driver’s seat to the executive office, he now leads the FIA, the global authority overseeing Formula 1 and other racing series.
Before his presidency, Ben Sulayem built a strong foundation in motorsport administration. In 2005, he took charge of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, representing the UAE in the FIA. His leadership shone when he helped organize the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, putting the Middle East firmly on the F1 map. By 2008, he earned a spot as a Vice President for Sport on the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council. Fast forward to December 2021, and he defeated Graham Stoker with nearly two-thirds of the vote to succeed Jean Todt as FIA president. Today, his car collection—including Koenigseggs, Ferraris, and Bugattis—mirrors his deep love for automotive excellence.
A Turbulent Start: The Abu Dhabi 2021 Fallout
Ben Sulayem stepped into the FIA presidency at a chaotic moment. Just days before his election, the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended in uproar. Race Director Michael Masi’s controversial decision to tweak safety car rules handed Max Verstappen the championship over Lewis Hamilton, sparking outrage among fans and Mercedes. Ben Sulayem inherited this mess, tasked with restoring trust in the FIA. He launched an investigation into the race, which pinned the blame on “human error” but upheld the result since Mercedes didn’t appeal. Critics argue he could have pushed harder for accountability, yet he defends the outcome, even comparing it to England’s 1966 World Cup win.
This rocky start set the tone for his tenure. Unlike Jean Todt’s quiet, consensus-driven approach over 12 years, Ben Sulayem favors a hands-on, visible style. He often appears in parc ferme after races, handing out medals on the podium—a stark contrast to Todt’s low profile. While some fans enjoy his presence, others see it as a sign of overreach. Nevertheless, his early days tackling the Abu Dhabi fallout showed his willingness to confront tough issues head-on, even if his solutions didn’t please everyone.
Shaking Up Formula 1: Bold Moves and Big Fights
Ben Sulayem wastes no time leaving his mark on F1. One of his boldest moves involves pushing for new teams to join the grid, clashing with Formula One Management (FOM) and existing teams. In 2023, he opened applications for an 11th team, championing Andretti-Cadillac’s bid backed by General Motors. On March 7, 2025, FOM agreed in principle to bring GM/Cadillac into F1 by 2026, a win Ben Sulayem hailed as a boost for the sport. He argues more teams mean more competition and growth, but critics, including team principals, worry about diluting prize money and grid space.
Beyond team expansion, Ben Sulayem stirs the pot with rule changes. He cracks down on drivers’ behavior, banning jewelry in cockpits and threatening race bans for swearing in press conferences. In 2024, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc faced penalties—community service and a €10,000 fine, respectively—for profanity, prompting the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) to fire back with an open letter. They demand he treat them like adults and explain where fine money goes. Ben Sulayem shrugs off the criticism, insisting how he runs the FIA remains “none of their business.” These clashes highlight his no-nonsense style, but they also fuel accusations of heavy-handedness.
Controversy Central: Scandals That Won’t Quit
Ben Sulayem’s presidency reads like a thriller packed with twists. In 2023, old comments from his archived 2001 website resurfaced, where he reportedly said he dislikes “women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth.” The FIA defends him, claiming these don’t reflect his beliefs, and he doubles down, arguing the quotes twist his intent. Still, the remarks ignite a firestorm, with drivers and fans questioning his views. He calls the backlash an “inhuman” smear campaign, but the damage lingers.
Then comes the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scandal. A whistleblower accuses Ben Sulayem of meddling to overturn a penalty on Fernando Alonso, shifting him from fourth to third place. The FIA’s ethics committee investigates and clears him, finding no evidence, but whispers of interference persist. Another blow hit in December 2023, when the FIA probed Toto and Susie Wolff for a supposed conflict of interest, only to drop it days later. Susie Wolff files a criminal complaint in French courts, alleging defamation, and Toto blasts the FIA for crossing a “red line.” These incidents paint Ben Sulayem as a lightning rod for drama, testing his grip on power.
The Exodus: Staff Shake Ups and Governance Gripes
Behind the scenes, Ben Sulayem’s FIA faces a staffing crisis. Since 2022, high-profile exits pile up—F1 Race Director Niels Wittich, compliance officer Paolo Basarri, steward Tim Mayer, and F2 deputy race director Janette Tan all leave or get the axe by late 2024. Former interim secretary general Shaila-Ann Rao quits in 2022, later alleging sexism and bullying by Ben Sulayem, claims he denies. Drivers like George Russell wonder aloud, “Who’s next?” as the turnover fuels talk of turmoil.
Meanwhile, governance battles escalate. In February 2025, key figures Robert Reid and David Richards refused to sign a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA) Ben Sulayem demanded for a World Motor Sport Council meeting. The NDA, backed by €50,000 fines for breaches, bars them from the session, sparking outrage. Motorsport UK, led by Richards, threatened legal action in March 2025, accusing Ben Sulayem of breaking election promises of transparency and accountability. Richards, once a supporter, now slams the “erosion of good governance,” signaling a revolt that could shake the FIA’s foundations.
What’s Next for Ben Sulayem and F1?
Looking ahead, Ben Sulayem faces a pivotal year. The GM/Cadillac entry could redefine F1’s landscape, but only if he navigates the resistance. Rule changes, like the 2025 Monaco two-pit-stop mandate, aim to spice up racing, yet risk driver backlash. Legal battles with Motorsport UK and Wolff threaten his credibility, while staff unrest simmers. Fans crave stability, but Ben Sulayem thrives on shaking things up—will it pay off or backfire?
For now, he stands defiant. “We’ll do whatever is good for the FIA,” he insists, prioritizing member clubs over public opinion. As March 11, 2025, marks another day in his saga, the motorsport world watches a leader who divides as much as he drives. Love him or loathe him, Mohammed Ben Sulayem keeps F1’s engine roaring—sometimes too loud for its own good.
FAQs About Mohammed Ben Sulayem
1. What achievements does Mohammed Ben Sulayem bring to the FIA from his rally career?
Mohammed Ben Sulayem dominated the Middle East Rally Championship, winning 14 titles and over 60 races with Toyota and Ford. His success as a driver showcases his deep understanding of motorsport, which he now channels into leading the FIA. Fans and insiders value this experience, believing it equips him to handle F1’s high-stakes world, even if his administrative style draws mixed reactions.
2. Why do some Formula 1 drivers criticize Ben Sulayem’s leadership?
Drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc clashed with Ben Sulayem over his strict rules on behavior, such as fines for swearing and jewelry bans. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association demands he respect them as adults and clarify fine usage, arguing his approach feels overbearing. These tensions highlight a broader rift between his authority and the drivers’ desire for freedom.
3. How does Ben Sulayem respond to accusations of sexism and interference in races?
From Snowboard Ben Sulayem brushes off sexism claims from his 2001 website comments as misinterpretations, insisting they don’t reflect his views, and labels the criticism a smear campaign. On race interference, like the 2023 Saudi GP allegations, he relies on the FIA ethics committee’s clearance, maintaining his innocence. His defiance keeps the controversies alive, frustrating his detractors.
4. What’s the big deal with Motorsport UK’s legal threat against the FIA in 2025?
Alexander Motorsport UK, led by David Richards, threatened legal action in March 2025, accusing Ben Sulayem of abandoning transparency promises by barring members from meetings over an NDA dispute. They argue his governance erodes accountability, pointing to staff exits and rule changes. This revolt could challenge his re-election, signaling deep unrest within the FIA’s ranks.
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