In a recent discussion in Shanghai, Ben Sulayem, the President of the FIA, expressed his satisfaction with the current state of the organization. He emphasized the progress made in terms of financial stability, highlighting that the FIA has achieved positive results in their audit for the first time in its 120-year history. Ben Sulayem took over the presidency from Jean Todt in 2021 and faced significant challenges, including a substantial deficit in operating costs. However, through strategic investments and effective financial management, the deficit has been reduced from over 20 million euros to less than 2.5 million euros. Ben Sulayem stressed the importance of continued development and strength within the FIA, as it benefits the entire world of motorsport.
In the realm of motoring and motorsport, 62-year-old Ben Sulayem, hailing from a prosperous Emirati family and possessing considerable wealth himself, established and served as the head of the ATCUAE. This organization, akin to the FIA on a national scale, oversaw all aspects of transportation and sport in the UAE since 2005.
During that same year, Sulayem assumed the role of the UAE’s representative within the FIA, forging a connection that ultimately propelled him to the esteemed position of FIA President, responsible for international motoring and motorsport.
For Sulayem, the Presidency holds great significance. He expressed, “It is not merely a job, but a profound responsibility. I have not been appointed; rather, I have been elected to give my utmost and make sound decisions. It may be easy to assume this role, but being a President is far from simple.”
He continued, “The greatest challenge lies in being a leader, a task that demands a different approach. Making the right choices is paramount. While I may make mistakes, I promptly rectify them as part of my journey. I was elected to safeguard and promote the sport, with fairness as my guiding principle,” Sulayem emphasized.
The conversation then shifted to the remarkable occurrences that have captivated the F1 world on multiple occasions this year. From Lewis Hamilton’s astonishing switch to Ferrari, to Fernando Alonso’s re-signing with Aston Martin, these news events have left a lasting impact.
And, naturally, the possibility of Max Verstappen departing from Red Bull, a team on a winning streak, to join Mercedes, a team currently facing challenges, has sparked considerable intrigue.
“Gossip!” exclaimed Ben Sulayem. “I’ll tell you what, if there weren’t so many rumors… the interest in F1 would decrease. The media must generate this. Otherwise, fans would be uninterested.
“Take my example. Look at me, the media attempt to destroy me and assassinate my character. It is unnecessary, but I remain strong. It is unnecessary. When there are problems, it is good to investigate them. But lies and fabricated rumors have no place in our sport.
“At the end of the day, fairness is necessary for the sport. You know what I have endured in the past two years. It’s like a never-ending cycle every year. And what remains of these rumors and fabrications?
“I am active. Visit the FIA website. I am overwhelmed by the support from the members. People need to understand that it is the members who elected me. It is not the media, the drivers, or the F1 teams.
“I say this humbly. I was not elected to worry about their opinions. I care about fulfilling the promises in the manifesto that I approved. I am more than willing to be challenged on whether I delivered or not.
“But I was judged in the court of public opinion. It wasn’t even a question. I went through six weeks of scrutiny in front of the ethics committee. The commission members did their job. The president is not above the law. If we don’t like our system, we improve it. But we never break it.”
Regarding his critics, Ben Sulayem raised the question: “Who are they? They lack the courage and integrity to confront me. As a sportsman for 40 years, I can stand tall and meet your gaze. I respect the rules. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.
He added somewhat mysteriously: “I know who is behind it, but I can’t disclose…”
Now in the latter part of his four-year tenure as FIA President, Ben Sulayem provided the following evaluation: “I take great pride in my position. To whom am I accountable? The FIA members. Their response has been to send supportive letters. I am overwhelmed by the positive feedback from our Members.
“When faced with adversity…in an arena, both the matador and the spectators depart. However, the members rallied around me and offered their protection. I am immensely proud of that. It must mean that I have done something commendable. I carefully examined the FIA manifesto, comparing what I promised with what we have accomplished. If I had not closely scrutinized the finances, we would not have persevered. This is an extremely serious matter as we have salaries to fulfill…”
Regarding future areas for enhancement, Ben Sulayem expressed: “I aspire to enhance the accessibility of our members to the FIA, foster the growth of grassroots motorsport, and expand the FIA’s influence in other regions such as Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
“The FIA’s purpose is not to cater to the President’s desires, nor is it intended to please promoters. The FIA exists to serve its members. Begin with them. It is a simple concept. Once you serve them, the President will be content.
“Start with them. It is a straightforward notion, yet it is quite challenging,” Ben Sulayem emphasized, while highlighting that his predecessors – Jean Todt, Max Mosley, and Jean Marie Balestre – were never “members of an [FIA] club”.
The topic of a potential second term was inevitably broached, and it is evident that Ben Sulayem harbors long-term aspirations to remain in the President’s position: “I am more than willing to confront any challengers, if necessary. Whether we like it or not, we must collaborate for the greater benefit of the organization. Naturally, the media thrives on conflict. What do they write about? They require something to report.
“Do I desire to continue? I will wait and gauge the will of our FIA members. I will never involve myself in anything that is unethical or steers us in the wrong direction, in order to uphold my dignity. As for self-evaluation, I am more than content,” concluded Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President until the conclusion of 2025 and, most likely, beyond.
(Interview conducted by Agnes Carlier in Shanghai)