Is Ben Sulayem about to leave the FIA?
The 2023 season has not yet begun, but the field is already quite restless. Especially with the recent statements from FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem, who finds himself in a delicate position. Several teams would like him to step down.
For the past few weeks, the president of the FIA has been facing numerous controversies. His stance on Twitter, welcoming the arrival of Andretti partnered with Cadillac in F1, has not failed to provoke reactions from most teams. The controversy escalated following Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s comments on the value of F1, after the commercial rights holders of the sport, Liberty Media, received a buyout offer.
A situation that has worsened even more for the Emirate with the emergence of misogynistic comments dating back over 20 years, stating that he does not like women who think they are smarter than men because, in truth, they are not.
The teams want him to leave.
For now, no team has publicly condemned the behavior of Mohammed Ben Sulayem. However, the BBC has obtained a comment from a team leader on condition of anonymity: “Everyone thinks he must go,” he said. “It is definitely the general opinion.”
Regarding the sexist remarks of the president of the FIA, another high-ranking source in the paddock, also anonymous, also spoke to the BBC: « There is a general sense of disgust. »
« This kind of comments leads to CEOs being ousted every day. What he should do is backtrack, retract, and apologize. “I made these comments 21 years ago. I regret them,” … that’s all he needs to say », continues this source.
The BBC Sport also asked for the opinion of MotorsportUK, which represents the United Kingdom at the FIA. « Motorsport should be an environment where everyone can participate, attend, or contribute their time in an inclusive environment that is safe, fair, and enjoyable. »
« There is still a lot to be done to change the culture within the sport in order to ensure that motorsport is more representative of society’s demographics and promotes the best behaviors. For any questions or comments regarding the FIA, please contact their press office directly. »
Mohammed Ben Sulayem dismissed from his position?
After all these controversies, it’s difficult to see how the president of the FIA will manage to keep his position. Another person from the paddock commented to the BBC: “What will be interesting is to see if he completely changes his game. If he makes another mistake, I don’t know how he will survive.”
If the president of FIA is to be removed from office, neither the teams nor the FOM have the power to do so. It falls on the support of the member clubs who elected him. And even if they want to, the FIA statutes do not specify what mechanisms can exist to revoke a sitting president.
According to the BBC, there seems to be a movement among certain member clubs within the FIA (such as MotorsportUK) to create a vote of no confidence against Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The next meeting of the F1 Commission, between the FIA, FOM and teams, is scheduled for February 21st in Bahrain, a few days before pre-season testing.
