Formula 1: FIA president’s latest comments are a total overreaction

Formula 1: FIA president's latest comments are a total overreaction

As a lifelong Formula 1 fan who has witnessed more than a few twists and turns in this thrilling sport, I can’t help but feel a tad skeptical about Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent comments regarding the FIA not receiving enough credit for their work. While it’s true that organizations like the FIA often face criticism for their decisions, especially in high-pressure situations like Formula 1, I think it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective.


Upon assuming the presidency of FIA from Jean Todt following the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Mohammed Ben Sulayem found himself with a challenging task ahead due to the intense scrutiny and controversies the organization was grappling with at that time.

A short while ago, the President of the UAE expressed his view that the FIA often goes unrecognized for their effective management of Formula 1 and the advancements they’ve made.

Sulayem and the FIA have launched various initiatives to enhance officiating and steward services during races, and they’ve also fine-tuned certain track boundary rules, particularly those pertaining to the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Nevertheless, despite the usefulness of these programs, some persist in expressing negative opinions regarding the FIA. It’s worth mentioning that Sualyem’s remarks were made following Max Verstappen’s sentence of community service for using profanity during a press conference.

Sulayem’s comments are an overreaction

The FIA serves as the governing organization responsible for administering Formula 1, several junior racing leagues, and various other motor sports events. It’s crucial for them to ensure efficient operation and implement changes whenever needed to enhance their management.

Organizations and the individuals within them are often under the microscope when things go wrong, but their achievements and victories tend to go unnoticed or undervalued.

Essentially, just like other organizations, the FIA is seeking greater recognition from the public for their efforts, as the work they’ve carried out was, to some extent, anticipated. However, it would be appreciated if they received acknowledgement beyond expectations, given the context.

During the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sulayem garnered much unfavorable focus due to his actions. Specifically, it’s been alleged that he intervened in Jeddah, reversing a decision which led to Fernando Alonso regaining his podium spot that was previously taken by the two Red Bull drivers.

It’s questionable whether Sulayem deserves recognition, given his relatively short tenure with the FIA and a history of contentious decisions, some of which were made even before he assumed leadership. Notably, the FIA has been involved in several controversies in recent seasons, such as those following the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

It appears that the FIA has shown what they claim they can regulate, but the way they’ve acted doesn’t exactly instill confidence in people. This lack of trust in the FIA increases among fans and others regarding their ability to manage Formula 1 fairly and appropriately.

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2024-10-02 13:32

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