"Why kiss up to the upcoming dictator in chief?": F1 fans react to the FIA president congratulating Donald Trump for becoming the president of the USA

Following Donald Trump's re-election as President of the United States, Mohammed ben Sulayem congratulated him by posting a photo with the former. However, the gesture did not go down well with some F1 fans, who decided to call out the FIA President on social media.

Trump won the 2024 US presidential election against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. The Republican candidate will become the 47th President of the United States, and this will be his second term in office.

The FIA boss did not stay behind as the world entered the race to congratulate the newly elected US president. He took to his official Instagram account to share congratulatory words for Trump. Here's what he wrote:

"Congratulations to @realdonaldtrump on a hard fought campaign. The U.S. has always been a pioneer in the automotive industry, and continues to be a key area of growth for motor sport. I look forward to seeing the President’s initiatives in these spaces, and working alongside him to deliver a strong future in American and global motor sport and mobility."

At the time of writing this article, the post had garnered nearly 5000 reactions, including likes and comments. However, most of them were cynical as F1 fans criticized Ben Sulayem for his actions. Here are some reactions taken from Instagram and X:

A fan wrote, reacting to the photo, "Gross. Why kiss up to the incoming Dictator in Chief?"

Fan reaction on Ben Sulayem and Donald Trump's photo. Credit: instagram.com/kr900

Another fan wrote, "If drivers aren’t allowed to talk about politics (but it’s really just about human rights) why the f*** can they happily post about supporting trump???"

"Danica Patrick + Mohammed ben Sulayem supporting trump really enforces F1’s cowardice," wrote another fan.

A fan wrote, "It’s giving rules for thee but not for me."

Another fan asked, "Leclerc says the word “f***” and gets fined $10k but this fraud can do whatever tf he wants?"

"These people asked to “keep politics out” when Lewis wore a t-shirt. Nah this guy has to be removed. What an a**," wrote a fan.

Mohammed ben Sulayem is known for his tough stance on F1 drivers' behavior. The FIA President has been strongly against the use of expletives during races. Therefore, his post with Donald Trump caused outrage among some fans.

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F1 Drivers' Association asked FIA boss to watch his "tone"

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President - Source: Getty Images

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association on Thursday asked the FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem to watch his "tone and language" while addressing F1 drivers in public and private spaces. This has come after the FIA President condemned the swearing by drivers in recent Grand Prix outings.

"We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media about matters as trivial as wearing of jewellery and underpants," the statement read.

Renowned F1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen have had sharp altercations with the FIA after their jewelry and swearing row. As a result, the drivers received fines and were asked to do public welfare work.