Amidst the most recent battle between F1 and its groups, the President of the FIA, Mohamed Ben Sulayem, stands with Liberty Media and declares them the true house owners of the competitors.
The divisive chief of the FIA has had a number of conflicts with drivers, managers and F1 groups since he took workplace on the finish of 2021, and currently, his clashes have been with Jean Todt, the sooner president, and with Toto Wolff, over the case of the investigation of his spouse, Susie.
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In the meantime, he’s additionally disliked by a part of the press and by members of F1, important of some sanctions of the stewards or sure guidelines. As well as, Method 1 might open the door to a break up and that the groups would think about establishing their very own competitors, with out the FIA.
“I say just one factor,” Ben Sulayem stated to Motorsport Journal. “And I say it modestly and clearly: the day is not going to come after we get up with out the FIA.
“With respect to others, it is completely different. Liberty has each proper to promote and so there may very well be one other actuality and tomorrow F1 would now not be with them. Subsequently, we must relate to others.
“I respect Liberty. They’re right here to make a revenue. They’re good folks and I assist them.”
Ben Sulayem distances FIA from F1 points
The connection between who controls F1 between Liberty Media and the FIA is a posh one, with each taking part in roles in long-term strategic choices, rules and short-term issues similar to race weekend administration.
So naturally, the FIA attracts a number of criticism when it maybe is not the one guilty and the physique’s president made certain to separate their identify from something that does not contain the precise racing.
“We all know what our duties are and what we cope with,” Ben Sulayem added. “Readability is essential and I am not towards anybody’s enterprise, that is clear.
“Right here (F1) there are folks right here who’re there to make cash. Each product we’ve, each sponsor, each collaborator… is invested if there’s a return of any type. Nothing does something for nothing.
“The FIA is completely different. We’re not a profit-making actuality, however we additionally need to safeguard our funds and we’ve to offer extra worth to the individuals who work for us.”
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Ben Sulayem, nevertheless, is adamant {that a} radical separation between those that run the industrial aspect and those that run the sporting aspect, would not work and will not occur.
Groups are reportedly sad in regards to the makes an attempt to develop the game and the rules launched, together with the expanded calendar, suggesting they’re being left behind for leisure worth.
“Some persons are speaking a few break up,” Ben Sulayem continued. “Do they actually suppose that the large constructors would race in a championship with out having a regulatory physique?
“Do they actually suppose that they’d make investments? Do they actually suppose that it will change into one other Wrestling and who will win? The place somebody invests and out of the blue, they alter the principles?
“No, it is about having clear guidelines first after which you may make investments. That (Wrestling) is a present. This isn’t. Right here we’ve a present, however with a governing physique, a present with guidelines and we make it truthful and effectively managed. The remaining is as much as you, your workforce and your driver.”
