“This Is a Marriage”: Threat of Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s Ouster From F1 Triggers Argument From FIA

The friction between FOM and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been escalating for some time now. And the recent compliance probe debacle has only added fuel to the fire. The compliance probe set in motion by the FIA, aimed at Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, along with his wife Susie Wolff, the managing director of the F1 Academy, became a focal point of the investigation. However, the escalating tension between Ben Sulayem and FOM has prompted a statement from the President of the FIA Senate.

This intensified scrutiny comes on the heels of previous controversies surrounding Ben Sulayem, including alleged sexist remarks earlier in the year. Despite his denials, former interim secretary general for motorsport, Shaila-Ann Rao, accused him of sexist behavior, further amplifying the scrutiny surrounding his leadership.

Past negligence is the cause of trouble between FOM and Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Adding complexity to the already contentious atmosphere, the FIA abruptly withdrew the compliance probe investigation on Toto and Susie Wolff. Despite the withdrawal, the Mercedes team is pursuing a legal explanation from the FIA. The President of the FIA Senate, Carmelo Sanz de Barros, issued a statement addressing the alleged threat of losing confidence in the FIA given by Liberty Media, emphasizing the delicate relationship between FOM and the FIA.

Delving into the historical conflicts between the FIA and FOM, Carmelo Sanz de Barros shed light on the intricacies of their relationship. Sanz de Barros also attributed past conflicts to the FIA reclaiming neglected responsibilities, as quoted by Diario AS. “The owner of F1 is the FIA. We own the championship, just like we own rallying or Formula E and karting. We are responsible for the competition. Then, in F1, there is an agreement for the famous hundred years in which commercial responsibility is delegated exclusively to a third party, which is FOM.”

He added, “I don’t just blame them; we haven’t done our job or paid much attention to some aspects of our responsibility. And now we’re trying to get back to normal. Whether it’s parc ferme, race time, and so on. Sometimes there are misunderstandings or conflicts. But I think that in these two years, there has been a lot of improvement. Whether we like it or not, this is a marriage.” [Translated by Google]

Read More: Susie Wolff Shifts Focus to “Encouraging” Silver Lining Amid Toto Wolff’s Big FIA Controversy

Was the rising tension between the FIA and the FOM the reason why the compliance investigation was withdrawn?

FIA dropped the investigation after finding nothing worth investigating

The investigation, initiated only 48 hours prior, concluded that existing safeguards within Formula 1’s compliance rules were robust enough to prevent any breaches of confidentiality. This surprising turn of events was followed by a joint statement from all nine rival teams of Mercedes. They vehemently denied complaints against the Wolffs and expressed unwavering support for Susie’s work with the F1 Academy.

The FIA’s determination not to pursue the investigation came after the examination of FOM’s F1 Code of Conduct and F1 Conflict of Interest Policy. In a statement, the FIA emphasized that “appropriate protective measures are in place to mitigate any potential conflicts.”

“There is no ongoing investigation in terms of ethical or disciplinary inquiries involving any individual,” the FIA clarified in a statement on Thursday, underlining its commitment to maintaining the integrity of global motorsport. Despite the investigation’s formal closure, the aftermath may have lasting repercussions.

Mercedes perceived the lack of prior notification as an attempt to tarnish its reputation, citing a pattern of hostility, including Toto Wolff’s recent official warning for swearing at the Las Vegas Grand Prix press conference. The team suggested that the episode might be indicative of broader tensions between them and the governing body, as well as Liberty Media-owned F1, the sport’s commercial rights holders. In response, the FIA maintained that it was merely following due process in response to a competitor’s raised concern and refuted any suggestion that the investigation was motivated by misogyny.

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Whether this marriage between the FIA and FOM weathers the storm or faces a restructuring remains uncertain, leaving fans and stakeholders eagerly awaiting the next twist in this high-stakes drama.