AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Ben Sulayem Claims ‘Hostilities Are Over’ as FIA and FOM Bury the Hatchet

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Ben Sulayem Claims ‘Hostilities Are Over’ as FIA and FOM Bury the Hatchet

May 8, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dan Marino and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem applaud during the award ceremony following the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

FIA President Ben Sulayem has openly addressed past tensions with Formula One Management (FOM), signaling a new era of cooperation between the sport’s regulatory body and its commercial arm. In an interview with Motorsport-Total, the FIA boss assured that both parties have put their differences aside, citing a newfound understanding between him and FOM CEO Stefano Domenicali, as well as Liberty Media’s Greg Maffei.

The rift, which previously saw the two entities clash over everything from the valuation of F1 to the controversial Andretti bid for a new team slot, appears to have settled. Sulayem even questioned Susie Wolff’s role within FOM, a move that further strained the relationship. However, he now claims it’s all “water under the bridge.”

“The FOM now understands the role of the FIA. They understand the FIA’s task. I don’t know what the problem was before,” said Ben Sulayem, who insists he’s been committed to improving the sport since taking over as FIA President. “For two and a half years, I have been asking where the problems lie. I also honestly asked what I did wrong in the first few years.”

Despite the drama, Sulayem maintained his integrity, stating, “I don’t take a cent from the FIA for myself, so what’s the problem if I want better equipment and resources to improve the sport?”

The relationship between the FIA and FOM is rooted in a complex history. The FIA still owns and governs Formula 1, but the commercial rights were leased to FOM under a deal orchestrated by Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley in the early nineties. Since then, the rights have changed hands, eventually landing with Liberty Media.

Sulayem dismissed any speculation of a power grab, making it clear he has no intention of claiming commercial rights: “All this talk about separation, my God, can’t we be more grown up? That’s not going to happen. FOM has understood that this ship does not need any more rough waves.”

The FIA chief also emphasized that the federation’s role is crucial for fair racing, ensuring regulations keep teams competitive and the sport engaging for fans. “What do we need? We need to act on an equal footing. You can see how important the car is in Formula 1. As soon as the Red Bull is no longer the dominant car, Max Verstappen no longer wins.”

Ben Sulayem noted that recent efforts have paid off, leading to better collaboration: “We work well with the FOM; I work well with Greg Maffei and Stefano Domenicali. We are in regular contact.”

The FIA president highlighted that strategy meetings between the two parties are now more frequent, a positive step toward a unified future. “It has gotten much better. Before, there were no joint strategy meetings, but now there are. I am pleased that this improves the relationship and the sport. It is good for everyone.”

For now, Ben Sulayem appears committed to building bridges, with the hope that this newfound harmony will continue to benefit the entire Formula 1 ecosystem.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Isack Hadjar Urged to Embrace Success in F1 Journey Amid Self-Critical Nature
Motorsports

Isack Hadjar Urged to Embrace Success in F1 Journey Amid Self-Critical Nature

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by James Taylor
August 2, 2025
Toto Wolff Unveils Shocking Rear Axle Crisis Plaguing Mercedes F1 Team
Motorsports

Toto Wolff Unveils Shocking Rear Axle Crisis Plaguing Mercedes F1 Team

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 26, 2025 Mercedes team principal...

by James Taylor
August 2, 2025
Sebastian Vettel Faces Red Bull Rejection: Marko Declares Role Unsuitable for F1 Champion
Motorsports

Sebastian Vettel Faces Red Bull Rejection: Marko Declares Role Unsuitable for F1 Champion

Sebastian Vettel's potential return to Red Bull has stirred up the Formula 1 world, with rumors swirling about him taking...

by Carl Smith
August 2, 2025
Oscar Piastri’s Shocking McLaren Transformation Unveiled Amidst Unforeseen Racing Drama
Motorsports

Oscar Piastri’s Shocking McLaren Transformation Unveiled Amidst Unforeseen Racing Drama

Formula One F1 - Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary - August 2, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri arrives ahead...

by Harry Stone
August 2, 2025

Recent News

Vendas da Tesla na Suécia estão mais difíceis

Tesla sentenced to pay €209 million due to fatal accident.

August 2, 2025
Isack Hadjar Urged to Embrace Success in F1 Journey Amid Self-Critical Nature

Isack Hadjar Urged to Embrace Success in F1 Journey Amid Self-Critical Nature

August 2, 2025
Centro Técnico da SEAT comemora 50 anos

SEAT Technical Center celebrates 50 years.

August 2, 2025
Toto Wolff Unveils Shocking Rear Axle Crisis Plaguing Mercedes F1 Team

Toto Wolff Unveils Shocking Rear Axle Crisis Plaguing Mercedes F1 Team

August 2, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks