Ben Sulayem Returns, FIA Presidency Bid

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA’s outspoken president, has confirmed he’ll run for a second four-year term in December’s election. Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, the 63-year-old Emirati said he’s determined to keep growing the sport and bolstering the FIA’s influence, even as his first term has stirred plenty of debate.

A Mission to Grow Motorsport

Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, insists his work at the FIA is far from done. “Three years in a complex federation like the FIA is not enough,” he said, reflecting on his tenure since succeeding Jean Todt in 2021. He’s proud of turning around the FIA’s finances—a €4.7 million profit last year compared to a €24 million loss in 2021—and securing Cadillac as Formula One’s 11th team for 2026. But he’s not resting on his laurels, vowing to make the FIA “stronger and stronger.”

Controversies and Critics

It hasn’t been a smooth ride. Ben Sulayem’s term has seen clashes with Formula One’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, over deals he calls “raw” for the FIA, which owns the championship. His crackdown on driver swearing, with hefty fines, has riled stars in F1 and rallying. Staff departures, including senior figures like Shaila-Ann Rao, sparked talk of an exodus, though Rao’s return as an advisor has steadied the ship. Critics also point to statute changes that could curb the FIA’s audit and ethics committees, raising questions about transparency.

Open to a Challenge

With no confirmed rival yet, Ben Sulayem welcomed the prospect of competition, including from twice world rally champion Carlos Sainz, father of the Ferrari F1 driver. “Let him stand. That is democracy,” he said, brushing off concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The Emirati remains unfazed by detractors, claiming he’s “cleaned up the FIA house” and shrugging off negativity. “I am the last one who cares what they say,” he added, focused on the FIA’s 147 member organizations.

Concorde Talks and Future Plans

As a new Concorde Agreement between F1 stakeholders nears, Ben Sulayem says negotiations with Liberty Media are on track. His goal is clear: elevate the FIA’s clout while expanding motorsport’s reach. With the Bahrain Grand Prix a key fixture on the F1 calendar, his regional ties add a layer of influence, but it’s his broader vision that will define his campaign.

Key Takeaways

•  Ben Sulayem seeks re-election to bolster FIA and motorsport

• Financial Recovery: FIA’s €4.7m profit in 2024 reverses 2021’s €24m loss

• He invites challengers like Sainz, supporting open competition

You Know What?

Ben Sulayem, the first non-European FIA president, has overseen the addition of Cadillac as F1’s 11th team, a move initially resisted by the sport but backed by the FIA’s 147 member organizations.