In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem shed light on his strained relationship with the British media, addressing what he perceives as a pattern of unfair treatment during his tenure. The remarks come amid ongoing debates over media bias in motorsport, particularly surrounding drivers like Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, who have also voiced their frustrations with how they’ve been portrayed by certain sections of the press.
The conversation about media bias gained momentum recently following comments made by Adrian Newey, a renowned Formula 1 designer, during his appearance on the High Performance podcast. Newey, who is currently with Aston Martin but previously worked with Red Bull, shared his thoughts on how both Verstappen and Vettel were unfairly treated by the British media during their careers. According to Newey, the media had, at times, “demonised” both drivers, painting them in a negative light, which he felt was unjustified.
Ben Sulayem, upon hearing Newey’s take on the matter, expressed his agreement. He explained that as a former champion himself, he understands the challenges that come with success and the scrutiny that often follows. He acknowledged that Verstappen had faced a fair share of criticism but then shifted the focus of the conversation to his own experience with the British media. In a candid and impassioned response, Ben Sulayem shared that he, too, had been subject to harsh treatment, feeling as though he had been “convicted” by the media without any solid accusations or evidence.
“If you look at the British media and what they did to me,” Ben Sulayem stated, “For God’s sake, they convicted me. They didn’t accuse me [of anything], but they keep on [going].” Despite feeling targeted, he made it clear that he wasn’t overly concerned with their actions, attributing their persistence to a desire for greater coverage and publicity. “They are after selling and getting more coverage for them[selves]. Of course, yes,” he added.
Ben Sulayem’s frustration is not just with the way he has been personally treated, but also with what he perceives as the media’s undue influence in motorsport. He was quick to remind the press that they have no real power over the decisions of the FIA. “With due respect to the British media or any other media, they don’t have a vote,” he said. “We are an independent, democratic federation. It’s the world of membership that elected me. The power is with the General Assembly, not with them.”
His message was one of defiance, as he called for the media to shift its focus back to what matters most: the sport itself. “Can we just stop this nonsense and go back to business and do what is better for the sport?” he questioned. While he acknowledged that the media would continue to do what they want, he emphasized that their actions have only made him stronger. “They made me stronger. I’m more careful now and more wise.”
Despite the challenges, Ben Sulayem is resolute in his mission as FIA president. He expressed confidence in the support he has from the member clubs that form the backbone of the FIA and insisted that if the time came for him to step down, it would be up to the members—not the media—to make that decision. “At the end of the day, who put me there? It’s the General Assembly, it’s the members. I’m very, very clear with this. And if they don’t like it, it’s up to them.”
Ben Sulayem’s relationship with the media has been contentious, but he takes a pragmatic approach, choosing not to engage in tit-for-tat battles. “I don’t go back to anyone, I don’t answer very much of you [members of the media] and I don’t retaliate. Why? Because I don’t have the time. I’m so busy answering what the members want and what motorsport wants.”
Looking ahead, Ben Sulayem, who is eyeing re-election as FIA president next year, is optimistic about the state of the federation. He believes that the FIA is in a better position now than it was when he took office at the end of 2021, citing improvements in efficiency and decision-making processes. “Internally, now they are efficient. Things move faster when it comes to delivery,” he noted.
He also stressed the importance of the FIA’s foundational mission: to serve its members. “We went back to our mission, which is to listen to the members. If you remove the members, there is no FIA. Very simple.” This member-centric approach, according to Ben Sulayem, is what has helped strengthen the FIA and restore its health. He also pointed out that a strong, well-governed FIA is essential for the success of Formula 1 teams, as they need stability and clear regulations to operate effectively.
As for his goals for the remainder of his current term, Ben Sulayem is focused on fulfilling his campaign promises. “For this year, just to finish and deliver my manifesto. And we are on the right track,” he said. He highlighted the financial improvements made under his leadership, with the FIA now generating more income and operating in the plus, all without resorting to layoffs or major staff cuts.
As the interview concluded, Ben Sulayem welcomed the idea of a democratic process when it comes to his re-election. He made it clear that he would not shy away from a contested presidential race, emphasizing the importance of democracy within the FIA. “We talked about democracy. It’s democracy all the time, not part of the time. So I’m more than happy [to take it up against somebody else].”
In summary, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s interview provided a revealing look at his leadership style, his views on media influence, and his vision for the future of the FIA. While he remains critical of the British media’s portrayal of him, his focus is firmly on the health of the FIA and the sport of motorsport, with a clear commitment to the democratic principles that underpin his role as president.
