In a rare show of public support, former F1 driver and current FIA steward Vitantonio Liuzzi has thrown his weight behind embattled FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Amid mounting scrutiny over Ben Sulayem’s leadership, including the removal of key figures like steward Tim Mayer and F1 Race Director Niels Wittich, Liuzzi has urged calm and emphasized the President’s commitment to the sport.
Speaking on The Inside Line podcast, Liuzzi addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Ben Sulayem’s position and hinted at potential changes within the FIA hierarchy. “Obviously, there is a lot of discussion about this position,” Liuzzi said. “I think the position can be changing in the future. But I’m sure the President is working closely with the teams to find the best solution for all of us.”
Balancing Act Between FIA and F1
The relationship between the FIA and Formula 1 has been a topic of debate, particularly as the sport grows in global prominence. Liuzzi expressed optimism that discussions between Ben Sulayem and F1’s leadership would lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
“Whatever the decision is, it will be good for both of us—for both Formula 1 and the FIA,” he said. This measured defense underscores the delicate balance the FIA must maintain to keep all stakeholders aligned, particularly as criticism mounts over inconsistent race-day decisions.
Consistency and Controversy in Stewarding
Liuzzi also tackled the perennial issue of inconsistency in stewarding, a point of contention that has inflamed fans and teams alike. While he acknowledged the difficulty in pleasing everyone, he defended the integrity of the stewarding team.
“It’s a great group, and we are working well together,” Liuzzi explained. “Sometimes, you cannot make everybody happy… But at the end of the day, I think every race we are looking at is an amazing competition, an amazing show, and this is good for the sport.”
Rising Danger: The Verstappen-Hamilton Effect
The Italian also pointed to the fierce rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the 2021 season as a double-edged sword. While the battle delivered one of the most thrilling seasons in recent memory, it also pushed the limits of safety.
“I believe that in 2021, Hamilton and Verstappen raised up the level of competition. It was maybe one of the most beautiful seasons of the last 20 years. But they brought it to a more dangerous level,” Liuzzi warned. He cited incidents in Monza and Budapest as examples where racing dangerously close to the edge could have led to severe consequences.
Liuzzi emphasized the need to strike a balance between hard racing and safety. “We want to let them race harder for the show, but we have to ensure it’s done in a safe way. We don’t want to rely on luck; we want to be super safe for the good of the sport and the drivers.”
Future Under the Spotlight
Ben Sulayem’s presidency has faced turbulence, with critics questioning his ability to steer the FIA through the complexities of modern F1. Liuzzi’s comments reflect the internal and external pressures the organization is grappling with as it navigates its relationship with Formula 1 and addresses ongoing concerns over governance, safety, and competition fairness.
With whispers of potential leadership changes and heightened scrutiny of stewarding decisions, the FIA’s ability to adapt and evolve will be critical in maintaining the trust of drivers, teams, and fans alike.