F1 Rumour: FIA And Formula One At War After Recent Controversy - "Detrimental"

The relationship between F1 and the FIA is reported to be under severe strain.

A report from BBC Sport claims that Liberty Media, F1's owner, could potentially sever ties with the FIA amid escalating tensions. The root of this stems from the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s direct involvement in F1, which senior figures believe is harming the sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Mounting Tensions: There's a growing frustration within F1 circles regarding FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s involvement in the sport, with BBC Sport citing it as "detrimental". This has led to speculation about Liberty Media considering a split from the FIA.
• Controversial Decisions: Recent decisions, including the re-investigation of Lewis Hamilton and confrontations involving team principals Toto Wolff and Fred Vasseur, are linked to Ben Sulayem. These incidents have reportedly amplified the dissatisfaction among F1 teams and stakeholders.
• Possible Breakaway: The relationship, which seemed to be on the mend, faces a new challenge as allegations of conflicts of interest involving Mercedes’ Toto Wolff surfaced. With threats of a breakaway looming, the FIA's investigation into these allegations has only intensified the situation.

Red Bull Content Pool

The relationship between the sport's governing body, the FIA, and its commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, is reportedly at a critical juncture. The situation has been exacerbated by the direct involvement of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in various aspects of the sport. His actions, particularly his stance on the entry of new teams and the sale of commercial rights, have not sat well with F1 leaders.

Ben Sulayem, elected in December 2021, initially took a step back from day-to-day operations earlier this year following controversies. However, his continued role in strategic decisions has been a point of contention. The incidents cited include the re-examination of Lewis Hamilton's actions at the Qatar Grand Prix and high-tension interactions involving team principals at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Furthermore, the recent row over conflict of interest allegations involving Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, director of the F1 Academy, has added fuel to the fire. This has led to an investigation by the FIA, opposed by both F1 and Mercedes.

The report from BBC Sport states:

"A number of sources told BBC Sport at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month that if Ben Sulayem continued to act in a manner senior figures considered to be detrimental to the sport, F1 owners Liberty Media would lose patience and consider breaking away from the FIA."