FIA president, Mohammed ben Sulayem, has confirmed that he’ll stand for re-election later this yr.
Virtually from the second he was elected in December 2021 he has been embroiled in controversy, and whereas he wasn’t even in energy on the time of that yr’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix he did oversee the next investigation.
Since then his dictatorial administration has put him in battle with virtually everybody, from F1’s house owners to drivers, crew bosses and even members of FIA employees who’ve fairly the game’s governing physique in droves.
Whereas the specter of authorized motion from F1 itself finally calmed, former staff have threatened it in addition to FIA members, with Suzie Wolff presently concerned in authorized motion following the investigation that by no means was over an alleged battle of curiosity.
Chatting with Reuters in Monaco, Ben Sulayem confirmed that he’s to face for a second time period.
“I really feel having three years in a fancy federation just like the FIA is just not sufficient,” he mentioned. “Do I want extra time? Sure,” he added. “Has it been simple? By no means. Has it been satisfying? Typically.
“So, I’m going to face,” he confirmed. “I consulted with many of the members. I converse to them.
“I cleaned up the FIA home,” he mentioned, the organisation having just lately reported a €4.7m (£3.9m) revenue in comparison with a €24m (£20m) deficit in 2021. “Sincere persons are there. My again is just not anymore with knives in it.
“All of this negativity,” he continued, ‘Oh, he is unpredictable, he is very controversial’. I’m the final one who cares what they do, what they are saying. To me it’s at all times concerning the members.
“I’m more than pleased. Possibly I’m doing one thing that irritates them.”
Requested about Carlos Sainz Snr, who’s contemplating standing in opposition to him for the presidency, Ben Sulayem mentioned: “Let him stand. That’s democracy.”
