Mohammed Ben Sulayem Allegedly Claimed to Be ‘Detrimental’ for F1 as Liberty Media’s Patience Wears Thin

The rising tension between FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 owners Liberty Media has reached a critical juncture. A recent FIA compliance probe, triggered by allegations of a team boss receiving confidential information, has brought forth concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the handling of sensitive data. The sport finds itself at a crossroads as whispers of discontent among team principals escalate.

Ben Sulayem, already under scrutiny for alleged sexist remarks, faces a challenging period in his tenure. The controversy stemming from his comments and the subsequent compliance probe raises questions about his leadership and the impact on the integrity of Formula 1. The sport now stands at a pivotal moment, with the potential for a rupture that could reshape its future.

Liberty Media is losing confidence in the FIA President’s abilities

The storm brewing in Formula 1 has its roots in the controversy surrounding Ben Sulayem’s alleged sexist remarks earlier this year. The FIA president faced accusations of making disparaging comments about women on his old website in January. Despite denying the allegations, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has become a focal point for criticism.

The controversy deepened when former interim secretary general for motorsport, Shaila-Ann Rao, accused Mohammed Ben Sulayem of sexist behavior in a letter to the FIA. Ben Sulayem countered by highlighting Rao’s unsuccessful bid for the CEO position and presenting a message thanking him for hosting her at the Italian Grand Prix.

The most recent controversy forced the FIA to initiate a compliance probe following media speculation about a team boss allegedly receiving confidential information. Although the principal in question was not explicitly named, media outlets identified him as Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes. The revelation of this investigation prompted a swift response from Formula 1, owned by Liberty Media, expressing “complete confidence that the allegations are wrong,” according to a recent report from Reuters.

Mercedes, the implicated team, also rejected the allegations, emphasizing the integrity and compliance of their team principal. The situation escalated further when some team principals had privately conveyed concerns to Ben Sulayem about a potential conflict of interest leading to the compliance department’s investigation.

Following all this turmoil, RBR Daily’s recent update on X (formerly Twitter) added fuel to the fire, stating, “A number of sources have told BBC that if FIA president Ben Sulayem continues 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.“

As the tension between Ben Sulayem and Liberty Media intensifies, Formula 1 faces an uncertain future, with the potential for a major restructuring within the sport.

READ MORE: FIA Controversies Pile Up as F1 Bosses Gang Up Against Ben Sulayem With One Message: “Got to Go

Recently, Sulayem also acknowledged the possibility of controversial race director Michael Masi making a return to his role.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes Michael Masi will come back to resume his role in F1

Michael Masi faced severe criticism following the contentious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of 2021, a race marked by controversial decisions that stirred the F1 community. Despite an investigation attributing the incident to “human error,” figures like Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton, and many F1 fans directed criticism at Masi.

Ben Sulayem, who assumed the FIA presidency shortly after the race, spoke about the challenges faced by Masi, including personal attacks and mental health issues resulting from the Abu Dhabi controversy. While expressing sympathy, Ben Sulayem hinted at the potential for Masi’s return, stating, “I always apologize, but I cannot apologize for something which was done before my time. OK, I will do the apology, but I will bring Michael Masi again. Do you think that is right? If I see there is an opportunity that the FIA needs and Michael Masi is the right person, I will bring him,” PA Sports quoted Ben Sulayem.

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