In a candid interview, FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem addressed several key topics, including concerns raised by F1 drivers over recent resignations within the governing body, including former race director Niels Vitic. mentioned. In response to a Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) inquiry into the use of fine proceeds, Ben Sulayem revealed the amount allocated but urged drivers to focus on racing, saying such matters were “not relevant. ‘ he claimed.
The GPDA published an open letter to Ben Sulayem on November 7, asking for clarification on how the fine was used in the sport and the changes taking place within the FIA. The letter also mentioned that the president would crack down on drivers’ citations, something the drivers did not agree to.
GPDA chief George Russell also questioned the stability of the GPDA in light of the recent departures of Witich, new F2 race director Janet Tan and F1 senior steward Tim Mayer. . When asked about the answers the GPDA was looking for, Ben Sulayem told Motorsport.com candidly:
“It’s none of their business. I’m sorry.
“With all due respect, I’m a driver. I respect drivers. Let them go and focus on what they do best: race.
“But do you want to know how much we paid at the grassroots? Last year we invested 10.3 million (euros) at the grassroots. I think that’s a lot of money. From ’24 to now 1000 It’s over 10,000 people. Let’s go back to the grass roots.”
Ben Sulayem stressed that this is an FIA matter and all decisions are taken in the interest of the FIA organization. He added:
“This is our business. We will do whatever is good for the FIA. So it is no one’s business to interfere in our affairs. It is the result that we produce.”
The issue was then posed to F1 drivers seeking clarity on Witich’s sacking, especially when there were three races left in the 2024 season at the time of the announcement. The FIA president refused to give any answers, but continued:
“Do we need to tell them? Will they let us know when something changes within the team? No, it doesn’t. No one has to. We have no rules. We follow the rules. We don’t follow other people’s rules. It’s that simple.”
When asked by the media about the recent controversy surrounding the FIA, Ben Sulayem said he doesn’t feel the need to reveal everything that goes on at the FIA to the media. He added:
“So, with all due respect to the media, why do I have to answer everything?
“I have a responsibility to my members and to the sport.
“I’m not the kind of person who wakes up in the morning and goes to the media. The media is good, but I don’t have a vote in the FIA.
“I was elected to fix the FIA and I am making the fix. I am very happy with our new team. I am very happy.”
Commenting on the recent withdrawals, Ben Sulayem said the FIA is hiring more people than before. he said:
“You know what? I’m very optimistic about the FIA.
“I’m very happy with where we are now. I can only see good things.
“By the way, did you know that in 2023, 64 employees joined our company? And in 2024, it will be 92 people.”
