formula 1
In the quagmire of F1 affairs: the highest regulator under pressure
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is at the center of a new Formula 1 affair. photo
© Erwin Scheriau/apa/dpa
First the scandal surrounding the Red Bull team boss, now the allegations against the president of the umbrella organization: Formula 1 is causing a stir at the start of the season, especially off the track.
Allegations had previously been leaked against association boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who, according to the BBC, was said to have influenced a Formula 1 race result and also tried to hinder the extremely expensive prestige racing series project in Las Vegas. According to the media, the FIA ethicists could also target the financial behavior of the 62-year-old from Dubai.
The basis for the investigation is a report with detailed allegations. According to FIA, these will now be examined, “as is usual in these cases, so that due process is strictly followed.” Ben Sulayem himself has not yet commented. In a further statement to the AP news agency, the FIA said it was saddened and concerned that the sensitive matter had been leaked to the media “without prior approval”.
The scandal surrounding the Red Bull team boss also continues to smolder
The fuss over the top rule enforcer is hitting Formula 1 at the wrong time. The opening race in Bahrain the previous week became a minor matter because the scandal surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner escalated. The Briton had just been acquitted of allegations of inappropriate behavior towards an employee in an internal investigation when anonymous emails with alleged details of the affair once again put him in serious trouble. “This is certainly not a positive development,” said Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko to the “Kronen-Zeitung” about the accumulation of negative headlines at the start of the season.
In addition to Horner, Ben Sulayem will now have to answer unpleasant questions on the street circuit in Jeddah. Did he actually cause a time penalty against Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso to be withdrawn in Saudi Arabia last year and the Spaniard was allowed to retain third place? Did he really suggest to the FIA inspectors in Las Vegas that they should refuse approval for the track even without a real reason? At least that’s what an informant reported to the world association, according to the BBC.
Permanent conflict between FIA president and Formula 1 bosses
Case one would be an at least questionable interference with the sovereignty of the race stewards. Case two would put even more strain on Ben Sulayem’s already troubled relationship with the top of Formula 1. The rights holders Liberty Media spent millions of dollars on land and infrastructure for the Grand Prix in Las Vegas; a ban on racing at the debut last year would have been a disaster. This didn’t happen because the FIA auditors couldn’t come up with any valid reasons, the BBC informant explained.
It initially remained unclear why Ben Sulayem was said to have interfered. What is certain is that the former rally driver has intervened in Formula 1 business on several occasions. The FIA boss pushed for the inclusion of other teams such as the US Andretti project, which the established racing teams vehemently rejected. Because Ben Sulayem also publicly doubted the high market value of the racing series, Formula 1 lawyers pointed out to him that this was not part of his duties.
The FIA investigations against Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, who works at the Formula 1 Academy, for betraying secrets in December were also seen as an indication of the blazing power struggle. Just two days later, the world governing body had to stop the matter after all other teams protested.
Ethics review will probably take several weeks
Ben Sulayem has also faced accusations of previous derogatory comments towards women, but he rejected them. As part of the latest investigations, the FIA boss’s handling of his expense account is now supposed to be examined. It is said that the results of the investigation can be expected in four to six weeks.
Ben Sulayem’s term runs until next year. Possible election opponents could gradually warm up. The Formula 1 bosses are also likely to be interested in a change at the top of the association and are closely monitoring the work of the FIA ethicists. The Formula 1 circus is far from calm off the track for the time being.