FIA president Mohammad Ben Sulayem claims the governing body doesn't get much credit for the work it has done in F1

Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes the FIA has not been given sufficient credit for its efforts in safety and Formula 1 regulation. Speaking exclusively to Autosport, the FIA president expressed frustration at the constant criticism the governing body faces, despite its close collaboration with Liberty Media, which has helped transform the sport.

In the past two seasons, the FIA has drawn flak for controversial decisions and rulings, with high-profile incidents involving drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen sparking debate. While safety in F1 has been a primary focus of the FIA, Sulayem pointed out that the body rarely receives acknowledgment for its contributions. He emphasized that the FIA is responsible for the sport’s governance, drafting regulations, and stewarding, areas that have been under heavy scrutiny in recent years.

Although he acknowledged Liberty Media’s success in growing the sport and enhancing its appeal, Sulayem stressed that this progress would not have been possible without the FIA’s regulatory framework. He commended the promoters, drivers, and team principals for benefiting from the sport’s financial boom and safer environment but felt the FIA deserved more recognition for its role.

A recent example of the FIA’s work was the introduction of new track limits in Austria, which addressed issues for both MotoGP and Formula 1. Sulayem highlighted this as an example of the federation's ongoing work to ensure the sport's safety and fairness, but expressed frustration at the lack of recognition for their contributions.

When asked by Autosport if the FIA received less recognition for their efforts thus far or for resolving the specific problem, Sulayem responded as follows:

“No, we will never get the credit. Impossible. We'll only get rubbish. That I know. When you look at it, everybody made money out of the FIA, everyone except the FIA. Everyone gets the credit, except the FIA. It's true. When I took over, we had a running operating cost of minus 20 million. Why? Because we have our income as everybody. But look at the promoters… And good on them and I congratulate them, they are smart enough to do that…But I'll be very, very honest, as always.”

“So Liberty Media did a great job in transforming Formula 1. If you tell me if I could go back in time, would I undo [that]? No way. I wouldn't undo that, but I would just make sure that the FIA is two equals with them. They are a good promoter, they are. If you ask me today: is there anyone who is capable as much as them? I can see that [there isn’t]. I support them in what they are doing. The FIA works with them in the best [possible] way. But then, the regulations and the governance is the [work of the] FIA. And then, let everyone make money. Let the drivers have fun, race in a safe way and make money. And let the team principals make more money, [and] they are. But the FIA will never get the credit. Impossible,” he added.

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Ralf Schumacher criticized FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem over recent decisions.

Ralf Schumacher believes Mohammed Ben Sulayem is at the center of recent tensions between drivers, teams, and the FIA. The former F1 driver criticized the FIA president for a perceived lack of connection with the drivers and attributed several issues plaguing the sport to his leadership.

Schumacher specifically addressed the reprimand handed to Max Verstappen for using inappropriate language, stating that it was unjust and should have been limited to a warning. The German went further, calling for a change in leadership at the FIA and expressing his dissatisfaction with Sulayem’s handling of recent controversies.

Speaking on Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher said:

“He plays a rather tragic role in the whole affair. He has no connection to F1 drivers at all. It is absurd to make an example of Max Verstappen with a penalty; a warning would have been more than enough. And if you’re planning something like that, you have to involve the drivers. Then you report to the GPDA or the drivers’ briefing to explain your point. Maybe then they can understand it.”

He added:

“Ben Sulayem is a real problem in my eyes. First, he got into trouble because of the Susie Wolff affair and then with Liberty Media, something that almost cost him his job. He cuts a grim figure, seeking publicity, and often photobombs the winner’s podium. I would advise the FIA to think about someone new. This cannot continue like this. We know that Max feels unfairly treated. He must try to get something meaningful out of a pointless community service order. Perhaps he should propose to do something that is close to his heart. I cannot imagine that the FIA president will back down.”

Verstappen has received support from Lewis Hamilton, who has also been a target of the FIA in the past, notably for wearing jewelry during race weekends. The Dutch champion criticized the governing body for its attempts to make examples of drivers, which has led to growing dissent within the paddock.

Hamilton agreed with Verstappen’s protest against the community service punishment, stating that it was unnecessary and excessive. He felt that such rulings risk undermining the drivers’ ability to express themselves freely, further fueling frustration with the FIA’s recent approach.