“Good F**king Riddance”: F1 World Breathes a Sigh of Relief as FIA Top Dog Mohammed Ben Sulayem Surrenders Control

After a lot of changes in F1 over the past few months, we were enjoying a subtle period of stability. But this stable period has once again ended with a huge update. The FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has decided to step back from Formula 1’s day-to-day operations. Many had anticipated a development like this. Although, few would have thought Ben Sulayem would actually surrender control.

According to Motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem will relieve his duties and involvement in F1’s daily operations. He would be only taking part in strategic decision-making at the higher level. Meanwhile, Nikolas Tombazis, who is the FIA single-seater director, will take on the broader responsibilities and serve as the main point of contact between F1 and the FIA.

Just in the previous month, the FIA had put out a restructuring of its F1 operations. This restructuring plan saw Steve Nielsen take on the role of the sporting director. An FIA spokesperson also clarified that this move was part of Ben Sulayem’s future plan. A plan that he had set out even before he got elected as the President.

Regardless, many saw this coming, considering the numerous spats between Ben Sulayem and F1. The FIA boss has encountered several fiascos in recent months. The FIA’s rule update on political comments’ restrictions on drivers is still a big ongoing debate. He also commented on Formula 1’s $20 billion valuation that perhaps triggered a civil war with Liberty Media.

Even some of his past statements got resurfaced about women and men. Amid all these controversies, it felt like the heat may be much for Ben Sulayem. And eventually, many fans are also pointing out the same. Several people feel that the F1’s political and power game was perhaps too strong in this whole scenario.

Fans react to FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem stepping back from F1 operations

Fans certainly look quite positive that Mohammed Ben Sulayem is stepping away from F1. After several controversial statements in the past months, many had thought that the countdown may have begun for the FIA boss. Eventually, this has become partially true. As Ben Sulayem is taking a “demotion” from F1 operations but will stay as the President of the FIA.

Still, fans have reacted to this huge update and cited how F1’s power can be too much to handle.

With all the sporting controversies in the last year, like the 2021 Abu Dhabi final saga and Red Bull’s budget cap breach, it is wise for the FIA to restructure and for Ben Sulayem to take a back seat. Especially with all the heat he is facing about his statements, this is a sensible move for the sport and for the FIA as well.

With less than a month to go for the 2023 season, many fans’ prediction has come right that Ben Sulayem won’t make the start of the season. At least partially, but the F1 community is probably breathing a “collective sigh of relief”.

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After the F1-FIA civil war, it can be said that F1 and Liberty media won. That’s what fans are claiming with statements about F1’s political power game.

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F1 would hope that Nikolas Tombazis, along with Steve Nielsen, stabilize FIA’s involvement in the sport after several fiascos and controversies. Even on the FIA’s part, Tombazis would want to create a better culture for the sport.