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 fights back against election manipulation claims: a presidency under fire

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
December 13, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Ben Sulayem fights back against election manipulation claims: a presidency under fire

Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 3, 2025 Tulsi Gabbard, director of National Intelligence and FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem after qualifying REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Title: Ben Sulayem Strikes Back: Defending His Presidency Amid Election Controversies

In a dramatic turn of events, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has emerged victorious in the FIA presidential elections, but not without controversy! The re-elected leader of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has found himself at the center of a storm, facing allegations of manipulating the electoral process. This showdown unfolded in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where Ben Sulayem secured his position as president—albeit as the sole candidate.

However, the battle is far from over. Laura Villars, his former rival, has taken her grievances to the French courts, claiming that the election process was tainted by anti-democratic practices. A pivotal hearing is scheduled for February 16, raising the stakes for Ben Sulayem and his administration.

In a fiery response to the mounting accusations, Ben Sulayem stood firm during a recent interview with AFP, stating, “I don’t understand why these other candidates didn’t travel to Latin America to defend their programs. One must go to the places, meet the people, and earn their trust and support for their candidacies. This is democracy, for heaven’s sake!” His comments directly addressed the controversy regarding the absence of vital figures who were supposed to be approved by the FIA as vice-presidents for Latin America. The only candidate given the nod was Fabiana Flosi, the wife of former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, a staunch supporter of Ben Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem further asserted, “The electoral process has not changed because the rules were already in place, and we simply enforced them.” When confronted about his popularity, he defiantly stated, “I don’t believe I’m unpopular. I wouldn’t have gotten this far if I hadn’t faced all these challenges and attacks. They’ve targeted me day and night, but what do I care? I’ve ignored them and focused on delivering on my promises.”

The 64-year-old Emirati leader, now confirmed to serve until December 31, 2029, reflected on his tumultuous first four years in office. “I look forward to getting to work for the next four years. Cleaning house hasn’t been easy, and placing the right people in the right positions within the FIA has been a challenge. But I can confidently say that the investments made during my first term are paying off. If you were to ask me what I would change if I could go back, the answer would be ‘nothing.’”

Ben Sulayem concluded with a candid admission, revealing that he never anticipated facing many of the issues that arose during his tenure, stating, “But they were simply matters of common sense. Before I took over as president, the FIA was not fully assuming its responsibilities.”

As the dust settles from the election and the legal battles loom, one thing is clear: the fight for the future direction of the FIA is just heating up. With Ben Sulayem at the helm, the world of motorsport will be watching closely as this saga unfolds, poised to see if he can navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger than ever.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonfabiana-flosilaura-villarsMohammed Ben Sulayem
Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

VIDEO – Mercedes prepares for F1 2026: can the legendary team reclaim its former glory?
Motorsports

VIDEO – Mercedes prepares for F1 2026: can the legendary team reclaim its former glory?

Mercedes on the Brink of a Comeback: Will 2026 Mark the Return of the Silver Arrows? As the countdown to...

by Carl Harrison
January 22, 2026
Mercedes’ 2026 F1 debut shocks rivals: is the W17 set to reclaim glory?
Motorsports

Mercedes’ 2026 F1 debut shocks rivals: is the W17 set to reclaim glory?

Mercedes' 2026 F1 Debut: A Bold Statement in the Racing World! In a stunning display of engineering prowess, Mercedes has...

by Publisher
January 22, 2026
Mercedes W17 makes stunning debut at Silverstone: a thrilling preview of 2026 domination!
Motorsports

Mercedes W17 makes stunning debut at Silverstone: a thrilling preview of 2026 domination!

Title: Mercedes Roars into Action: 67 Laps Completed at Silverstone with New W17! In a thunderous display of engineering prowess,...

by Simon Monroy
January 22, 2026
Mercedes W17 makes explosive debut: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli ignite 2026 season!
Motorsports

Mercedes W17 makes explosive debut: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli ignite 2026 season!

Title: Mercedes Unleashes the W17: A Groundbreaking Filming Day at Silverstone! In a thrilling display of power and precision, Mercedes...

by James Taylor
January 22, 2026

Recent News

VIDEO – Mercedes prepares for F1 2026: can the legendary team reclaim its former glory?

VIDEO – Mercedes prepares for F1 2026: can the legendary team reclaim its former glory?

January 22, 2026
Mercedes’ 2026 F1 debut shocks rivals: is the W17 set to reclaim glory?

Mercedes’ 2026 F1 debut shocks rivals: is the W17 set to reclaim glory?

January 22, 2026
Mercedes W17 makes stunning debut at Silverstone: a thrilling preview of 2026 domination!

Mercedes W17 makes stunning debut at Silverstone: a thrilling preview of 2026 domination!

January 22, 2026
Mercedes W17 makes explosive debut: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli ignite 2026 season!

Mercedes W17 makes explosive debut: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli ignite 2026 season!

January 22, 2026

Newsletter

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

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
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.