Both parties released a statement ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the opening event of the European season, announcing that the Formula 1 World Championship, now consisting of a record 24 races, is stronger than ever. The FIA website featured a photo of the organization’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in a friendly conversation on the grid of the grand prix. The statement emphasized both parties’ commitment to achieving the best possible results for the sport. Currently, they are working on a new strategic plan to leverage opportunities and further enhance the potential of F1 in the future. Insiders suggest progress is being made, as both parties share a common focus on key issues.
Formula One Management (FOM) has held the commercial rights to the championship for a century, starting in 2001. On the other hand, the FIA is responsible for establishing rules, ensuring safety, and managing the technical team. They have recently disagreed on the possible addition of an 11th team. Ben Sulayem, representing the United Arab Emirates, supports the entry of the Andretti-Cadillac team, based in the United States, while Formula 1 has ruled out this possibility at least until 2028.
Ben Sulayem took office at the end of 2021, succeeding France’s Jean Todt. However, he has faced controversies and what some perceive as a power struggle with the commercial rights holder. In January of last year, Formula 1 accused Ben Sulayem of interfering with its commercial rights by publicly questioning the sport’s disclosed valuation, which reached $20 billion.
Furthermore, the FIA is currently dealing with a legal action initiated by Susie Wolff, director of the exclusive Formula 1 Academy support series for women and wife of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. This legal action stems from a conflict of interest investigation conducted last year. Ben Sulayem also faced accusations, made by a whistleblower, of trying to obstruct the approval of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit and interfere in the outcome of the Saudi Arabian race in Jeddah. Following a 30-day independent investigation, the FIA ethics committee unanimously cleared Ben Sulayem of any wrongdoing.
Behind the scenes, there is an ongoing legal action involving former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa from Brazil against Formula 1, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, and the FIA. This legal action is related to the disputed outcome of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship.
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