The compliance division is currently assessing the allegations to ensure compliance with proper procedures, a standard practice in such cases.
The governing body of Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which acts as the regulatory authority, acknowledged the existence of a report on possible irregularities by certain members of its leadership, including its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The focus is on accusations that Ben Sulayem may have interfered in the outcome of the previous year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and attempted to hinder the certification process for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The FIA issued a statement confirming that its compliance officer received a report describing these possible allegations against members of the organization’s governing body.
The compliance division is currently assessing the claims to ensure adherence to proper procedures, a customary course of action in such cases.
A significant aspect of the controversy, as reported by the BBC, revolves around an incident at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Ben Sulayem is accused of trying to overturn a penalty imposed on Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
This allegation, attributed to an unidentified informant, suggests that Ben Sulayem contacted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, FIA Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, who was present in Saudi Arabia at the time, advocating for the cancellation of Alonso’s penalty.
Alonso had received a 10-second penalty, in addition to a previous 5-second penalty, affecting his position in the race.
The revocation of this penalty supposedly put Alonso back in third place, behind Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, raising doubts about the impartiality of the decision-making process.
Furthermore, allegations emerged that Ben Sulayem instructed officials not to certify the Las Vegas circuit for its Grand Prix.
Still, an FIA spokesperson defended the certification process, stating that it followed FIA protocols regarding inspection and certification.
The spokesperson highlighted that delays in the inspection were due to construction work carried out by local organizers, suggesting that the certification process was not influenced by inappropriate interventions.
These allegations have sparked controversy within the Formula 1 community, casting a shadow over the governance of the sport and raising concerns about the impartiality and integrity of its leadership.
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