JANUARY 10, 2024
Ben Sulayem claims "I know who attacks me"
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has claimed he knows “who attacks me”, in a recent interview with German publication Motorsport-Magazin, explaining that, “the paddock is a very small habitat, everybody knows everybody," he added. "You know, whoever leaked or made up something about me, I know. And what do I do? I smile at them. I know who is behind it and then I smile at them. I only ask for sincerity. I am not interested in the share price or ticket sales. We just need honesty. That is my mission."
© Red Bull
The Emirati went as far as admitting that he believes the current tension between the Federation, the teams and the Commercial Rights holder is a positive thing, saying that, “friction is sometimes healthy to bring out the best."
The clear divide between the FOM and the teams, who all stick together with the Commercial Rights holder, and the FIA has raised the fear there will be a split, with Liberty Media organizing its own series and taking all current Formula 1 teams and the six manufacturers that are already committed from the start of 2026 with them, even if the organizational and logistic challenges would be enormous, as the Federation holds crucial cards, like circuit homologation and controls the organizing clubs, that provide all the officials, marshals and volunteers for the events.
That’s why Sulayem seems convinced there’s no real risk of a breakaway, saying that, “some people are talking about a split. Do they really think that the big constructors would race in a championship without having a regulatory body? Do they really think that they would invest?” He then confidently added that, “I say only one thing, and I say it modestly and clearly. The day will not come when we wake up without the FIA. With respect to others, it's different. Liberty has every right to sell and so there could be another reality and tomorrow Formula 1 would no longer be with them. Therefore, we would have to relate to others. I respect Liberty. They are here to make a profit. They are smart people and I support them."
The FIA president insisted it’s his job to make sure the sport is played in a fair way and that the show is a secondary concern for him and his organization: “This is about having clear rules first and then you can invest. This is not just a show. Here we have a show, but with a governing body, a show with rules and we make it fair and well controlled. The rest is up to you, your team and your driver.”
In conclusion, and going back to the commercial value of the sport, the Emirati made it clear that, “I am not involved in the stock price or ticket sales, we just need fairness here, that's my mission. We define clarity between ourselves and FOM, Liberty Media. That's good. We need to understand who I represent: I represent the head of the house. We are not a service provider. I keep saying that and I believe it too.”