Mohammed Ben Sulayem takes aim at the British press and criticizes the British Grand Prix

Mohammed Ben Sulayem reaffirmed that he feels he is being unfairly criticized by some of the media, during an appearance at the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

In an apparently unsolicited speech, the 63-year-old Emirati, whose management of F1 has been the subject of numerous criticisms, told the English media Autosport: « Three years of criticism against me. Does it affect me? Am I elected to listen to the media? No. I appreciate good media, positive media. Maybe I make a mistake, and you can come and criticize me objectively. »

Mohammed Ben Sulayem criticized

Since taking office in December 2021, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been at the center of several controversies and insisted that he has been treated unfairly. The management of the FIA has notably added fuel to the fire. George Russell, president of the GPDA (drivers’ association), had stated: Mohammed Ben Sulayem must explain to F1 drivers what the FIA’s objectives are.

The president of the FIA also made an unexpected comment regarding the Qatar Airways-sponsored British Grand Prix: « Unfair. But the world is unfair. Saudi Arabia has reinvested a lot », he told reporters.

« Look at some British media, they go after Saudi Arabia or me. But one thing I would say, look at the British Grand Prix. Is it really the British Grand Prix? No, it’s the Qatar Airways British Grand Prix. Please, withdraw the budget, withdraw the money. »

Previous encounters of Mohammed Ben Sulayem with the press

During an interview with Autosport during last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Mohammed Ben Sulayem had already criticized an apparent bias in the British press.

He was responding to comments made by former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey, who stated in the podcast *High Performance* that Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel had been treated unfairly by the British media.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem had supported this position, stating: « I respect Max [Verstappen] because I am a driver. I have been a champion and I respect winners and champions. I see that he had his share [of mistreatment], but let’s talk about me. If you look at what the British press did to me… For God’s sake, they condemned me. They did not accuse me [directly], but they continue. And does it affect me? No. Why? Because what are they looking for? They are looking to sell and gain visibility, of course. »

« But they have no power over me or over the FIA. With all due respect to them, they don’t have a vote. We are an independent and democratic federation. The power belongs to the General Assembly, not them. And you know what? Can we just stop these absurdities and get back to basics to do what’s best for the sport? If it’s possible. If it’s not their will, too bad for them. »

« But life goes on. Do you know what they did to me? They made me stronger. I am now more careful and wiser. I have the support [of the member clubs]. And if, one day, the members decide it’s time to replace me as president, it will be their decision. »

« Ultimately, who placed me here? It’s the General Assembly, it’s the members. It’s very clear to me. And if they don’t like it, that’s their problem. »