New controversies, rising opposition... Ben Sulayem increasingly weakened at the head of the FIA

At the centre of the latest controversy is the non-disclosure agreement (NDA), a document that prohibits members from discussing FIA matters outside of official meetings. A document that has existed for a long time, but which President Ben Sulayem wanted to tighten up due to his concerns about media leaks. These new restrictions, which according to some sources could be based on the fear of seeing negative articles appear in the media or because further changes to the FIA ​​statutes could be decided next June, Robert Reid, FIA vice-president in charge of sport, and David Richards, representing the United Kingdom, refused to sign them and were banned from the meeting. Nothing unusual of course for the FIA ​​spokesperson who explains that "It is the case in all organizations to implement procedures, including non-disclosure agreements, to ensure the confidentiality of relationships between all parties, to safeguard personal information and to protect our regulatory interests. "And to lock the oppositions?

Frustrated Drivers

This is far from being Ben Sulayem's first controversy since taking office in December 2021, particularly regarding his views on women, his approach to F1, changes to the FIA's statutes that reduce accountability, the dismissal of a number of high-ranking figures and rule changes regarding the public behaviour of F1 drivers. The fines are quite severe, it's something we would like to discuss with the FIA", slipped Oscar piastri to the Australian tabloid Herald Sun.

"They can't expect us to say absolutely nothing when we're in the car. We're under the influence of ladrenaline. We talk first and foremost to our team. "According to the pilot McLaren, who understands that pilots must be " respectful ", the FIA ​​must succeed in distinguishing between the action on the track and the attitude of the drivers off the seat.  You should always be respectful towards other, adds the Aussie. Outside of the car, it is perfectly fair to expect us not to swear, that's how society works. ».

Wolff in ambush

The FIA ​​is also facing legal action from Susie Wolff, head of the all-women's F1 Academy series and wife of the boss of Mercedes F1, Toto wolff, after a compliance investigation into the Wolffs was launched and then cancelled in the space of two days in 2023. Susie Wolff, who is now said to be considering running for FIA president in the upcoming elections at the end of the year. For the time being, with no one having come forward, the current president is driving down the boulevard of re-election! Which would not be good for the exchange of ideas and the democratic principle. Even before Susie Wolff has confirmed or not her intention to compete, she has already received the support of sports figures, such as Damon Hill, F1 world champion in 1996. To be continued.

ALSO READ > Drivers want to be heard: "We would like to speak with the FIA"