FIA President's Cold War With F1 - "I Know Who Is Behind It And Then I Smile At Them"

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is aware of the person targeting him.

In the aftermath of a contentious season involving the FIA, President Mohammed Ben Sulayem acknowledges that he is aware of individuals within Formula 1 who target him with unfounded news and accusations. This situation is exacerbated by the small, interconnected nature of the F1 paddock.

Formula 1, under the ownership of Liberty Media, faced two significant controversies last year involving either Ben Sulayem or the FIA. The first controversy erupted when the decision to welcome Andretti Cadillac as the 11th team in the sport was made, drawing criticism from both the FOM and various team principals.

The second incident occurred following the Abu Dhabi Grand Finale. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and his wife, Susie Wolff, faced an investigation over a potential conflict of interest. However, they were quickly exonerated of the allegations within 48 hours.

There is speculation that tensions between the governing body and the FOM might have contributed to some issues. Consequently, Ben Sulayem believes that his opinions are frequently criticized in the media. Nonetheless, within the close-knit community of the F1 paddock, he is confident about identifying the sources of these attacks. He told Motorsport Magazin:

"I know who attacks me. And they think I don't know. Do you really think I would be in this position if I had stupid people around me? Of course, my team is very smart. The paddock is a very small habitat, everybody knows everybody.

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."

However, Ben Sulayem emphasizes that he only expects honesty from the sport and nothing else. 

"I only ask for sincerity. I am not interested in the share price or ticket sales. We just need honesty. That is my mission."

FIA - F1 Split?

However, during the interview, the Emirati himself talked about the possibility of breaking away from Formula One. He added, laughingly:

"People who say something like that have no idea what they are talking about. Do they really think big manufacturers will start their own championship, with no party regulating? Do you think they will invest in that? You already know who is going to win this.

"Then you can invest. That would be a show. But not here! Here there is a show, with a leadership, a show with rules. And here everything is monitored, so it's fair. The rest is up to them, the teams and their driver."

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