Can Liberty Media separate Formula 1 from the FIA?

A BBC Sport report states that Liberty Media, the owner of F1, could potentially sever ties with the FIA amidst escalating tensions. The root of this problem stems from the direct involvement of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in F1, which, according to senior officials, damages the sport's image.

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There is a growing frustration within the F1 circles regarding the involvement of the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in the sport. This has led to speculation about the possibility of Liberty Media considering separating from the FIA.

Other recent decisions, including the investigation into Lewis Hamilton during the Qatar Grand Prix, as well as the summons of team directors Toto Wolff and Fred Vasseur after their remarks deemed vulgar in the press conference, are linked to Ben Sulayem. These incidents, which have been a point of contention, are said to have heightened dissatisfaction among F1 teams and stakeholders, who believe that he is overstepping his role by continuing to influence strategic decisions.

The latest hot topic concerning the FIA is the recent dispute over allegations of conflicts of interest involving Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, director of the F1 Academy, which has added fuel to the fire, as the FIA has decided to launch an investigation. The relationship, which seemed to be improving, is facing a new problem with this investigation, which only intensifies the situation, even though all the Formula 1 teams have denied filing complaints against Toto and Susie Wolff.

The relationship between the governing body of the sport, the FIA, and its commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, is said to be at a critical turning point. The situation has been exacerbated by the direct involvement of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in various aspects of the sport. His actions, particularly his stance on the entry of new teams and the sale of commercial rights, have not been well-received by F1 leaders.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, elected in December 2021, initially stepped back from his functions earlier this year, following controversies. He had spoken about a potential takeover of Formula 1 by a Saudi investment fund, which turned out to be unfounded, but also old misogynistic statements that he had made resurfaced at the beginning of the year.

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