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BBC takes a look at Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent controversies and reports that the “general view” in the paddock is that “he’s got to go”.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been involved in a lot of controversies as of late. It all started when he decided to comment on an alleged F1 takeover bid from a Saudi Arabian investment fund, which drew the ire of F1 owners Liberty Media.
Then, he was accused of sexism after he was quoted as saying he does “not like women who think they are smarter than men”, on an archived version of his old website.
He was also openly supportive of the proposed F1 entry bid by Andretti Global, even though some teams have been hesitant to easily accept it.
In a new BBC report on the situation, the outlet’s chief F1 writer Andrew Benson says “one Formula 1 team boss, on condition of anonymity”, said the paddock is not looking kindly on Ben Sulayem’s comments.
“Everyone thinks he’s got to go, that is definitely the general view,” the team boss allegedly said.
Benson reports that another “senior source” told BBC Sport that “there has been widespread disgust” regarding Ben Sulayem’s sexist comments. He also reports a “senior figure” said these types of comments “bring down CEOs every day”.
“What he really should be doing is back-pedalling and apologising: ‘I made those comments 21 years ago, I regret them…’” the source continued.
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“Whatever he wants to say,” concluded the source.
Another controversy Ben Sulayem is embroiled in is the FIA ‘political speech ban’, which forbids drivers from making ‘political or personal statements’.
Since Lewis Hamilton has been very outspoken when it comes to issues that he is concerned about, like human rights, racism and equality, some observers have said that the rule seems to be targeting Lewis directly.
Benson notes that “some legal experts say, in theory Hamilton could write a social media post promoting human rights from his homes in Monaco or Colorado and be in danger of losing his racing licence”.
He also notes it is not “clear how the clause complies with the European Convention on Human Rights, article 10 of which guarantees freedom of expression”.
Regarding these controversies, BBC Sport reached out to Motorsport UK, UK’s representative at the FIA, and asked them if they still have confidence in Ben Sulayem as president.
A Motorsport UK spokesperson said:
“Motorsport should be an environment where everyone can participate, spectate, or volunteer their time in an inclusive environment that is safe, fair and fun.
“There is a great deal more to be done in changing the culture within the sport to ensure that motorsport is more representative of society’s demographics and champions best behaviours.
“For any queries or comments on the FIA, please speak directly to their media office,” the statement concluded.
Benson adds another “insider”, referring to the lack of any communication from Ben Sulayem regarding these issues, said it will be interesting to see “does he change his game at all?”
“If he makes one more mis-step, I don’t know how he survives,” the “insider” concluded.
In the end Benson notes that there is an F1 Commission meeting scheduled for February 21, ahead of 2023 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The F1 Commission is a rule-making body comprised of the FIA, F1 and the teams, and another “insider” says it’s “going to be pretty interesting, even the dynamic between [F1 president] Stefano [Domenicali] and Mohammed”.
“I get the sense they will come in not aligned,” the insider concluded.
