FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed frustration with how the British media portrays him, stating, “They have pilloried me.” During an interview with Motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem addressed a comment made by renowned designer Adrian Newey, who will soon transition from Red Bull to Aston Martin. Newey had remarked that Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel were often unfairly criticized by the British press. When Verstappen was asked about this at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the three-time world champion fully agreed with Newey’s observation.
Ben Sulayem, who has immense respect for Verstappen, acknowledged the pressures faced by drivers under media scrutiny. “I respect Max because I’ve been a driver and a champion myself. I know what it means to win and lead. I’ve seen how the media writes about him.” However, the FIA president quickly turned the conversation toward his own experiences, stating, “If you look at what the British media has done to me, they’ve torn me apart. And yet, they’ve accused me of nothing. It’s continuous, but do I care? Not at all.”
In Ben Sulayem’s eyes, the motives behind these media attacks are clear: profit and attention. “They want more money, more clicks, and more headlines,” he said. Despite the negativity, the FIA president emphasized that the media holds no influence over him or the FIA. “With all due respect to the British media and others, they have no say in how we run things. We are a democratic and independent federation. I was elected by the General Assembly, not by journalists.”
Ben Sulayem then called for a shift in focus, urging the media to return to discussions that benefit the sport. “Can we stop this nonsense and get back to what really matters? If the media doesn’t want to cooperate, that’s their choice, but life goes on.” He remains unfazed by the criticism, insisting that it has only made him stronger. “I’ve become more cautious, wiser, and even more determined. If the members of the FIA think it’s time for a new president, that’s up to them. They elected me, and if they want change, they have the power to make that decision.”
Since taking office in late 2021, Ben Sulayem believes the FIA has significantly improved. “We are 100% better off now than when I first stepped into this role,” he said. He credits the organization’s transformation to increased efficiency and a renewed focus on its core mission: listening to its members. “Without our members, there is no FIA. We’ve gone back to basics, ensuring that their voices are heard.”
Financially, the FIA is also in a much healthier position. “We’ve brought the FIA back into the black without cutting jobs. Instead, we’ve generated more revenue and reformed our operations,” Ben Sulayem explained. The federation’s ability to create new income streams and foster fairer relationships with its stakeholders has strengthened its foundation.
Looking ahead to the FIA’s next presidential election, set for next year, Ben Sulayem has confirmed his intention to run again. “If someone wants to challenge me, I’m more than ready. We talked about democracy earlier—this is what it’s all about. If someone thinks they can do better, I welcome that competition.”
In conclusion, Ben Sulayem remains confident in his leadership and the direction the FIA is headed. He views the ongoing media criticism as a challenge to overcome, rather than a deterrent. With a focus on progress, efficiency, and member engagement, the FIA president is determined to continue shaping the organization’s future while being fully prepared for any democratic challenges that may arise.
