FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made a bold statement reaffirming the FIA’s ownership and control of Formula 1, stressing the organization’s crucial role and need for increased resources within the sport. Ben Sulayem, who took over as FIA president in 2021, addressed the evolving relationship with Formula One Management (FOM), highlighting both past disputes and recent improvements.
When Ben Sulayem first assumed his role, the relationship between the FIA and FOM was largely cooperative, with both bodies aligned through the Concorde Agreement, which governs revenue distribution and regulatory control in Formula 1. However, this harmony was disrupted after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leading to intense scrutiny and a series of regulatory adjustments. Ben Sulayem acknowledged these tensions but insisted that efforts have since been made to strengthen ties.
One major point of contention was the FIA’s support for expanding the F1 grid, particularly through Andretti’s Cadillac-backed entry, which FOM and existing teams opposed, citing financial and logistical concerns. Additionally, the FIA’s enforcement of regulations such as the ban on drivers wearing jewelry led to further clashes. These disagreements fueled rumors of a split between the two entities, as FOM prioritized revenue while the FIA pushed for fair competition and sport integrity.
Despite these challenges, Ben Sulayem is confident that progress has been made. He stated that FOM now recognizes the FIA’s crucial role in governing the sport. “The FIA still owns Formula 1. We rent it, we lease it to someone else. And we both understand and respect this,” he clarified, emphasizing that while FOM may manage commercial aspects, the FIA remains the ultimate authority.
The FIA President also addressed the financial dynamics at play, reiterating that while FOM’s focus is on maximizing profits, the FIA’s mission is to ensure fairness, safety, and the sustainable growth of the sport. Ben Sulayem’s comments highlight the ongoing power balance between the two entities, reaffirming the FIA’s influence over the direction of Formula 1.
In recent months, Ben Sulayem noted a significant improvement in relations with FOM leadership, including FOM CEO Stefano Domenicali and Liberty Media’s Greg Maffei. The introduction of joint strategic meetings between the FIA and FOM has been a key development, reflecting a commitment to collaborative planning and shared goals. “I work very well with the FOM. I work well with Greg Maffei and Stefano Domenicali; we have constant communication,” Ben Sulayem stated. “I respect our relationship with the FOM. I wanted to strengthen it, and now our relationship has improved a lot.”
Ben Sulayem emphasized that the FIA remains committed to its responsibility of enhancing Formula 1’s governance by prioritizing safety and fairness. By fostering open communication and joint planning with FOM, the FIA aims to ensure the sport evolves in a way that benefits teams, fans, and stakeholders alike. The relationship between the FIA and FOM, according to Ben Sulayem, is one of mutual reliance, with both entities crucial to the sport’s continued success.
