Post-Abu Dhabi, first file on the table of Mohammed Ben Sulayem

For his first press conference in his new role as President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem undoubtedly hoped to be able to unfold his vision for the governing body, he who is beginning a 4-year mandate placed under the sign of change after 12 years from the Jean Todt era.

Ben Sulayem intends in particular to double the number of licensees by 2025, he who recalls that the two most populous countries in the world, India and China, have only 8 practicing motorsport, compared to 000 for the only Finland for comparison.

The 60-year-old Emirati, 14-time Middle East champion of rally-raid, also wishes to promote more diversity, whose team has a woman as vice-president in the person of Fabiana Ecclestone in charge of South America. A first within the FIA.

Freshly elected to succeed Todt this Friday at the end of the FIA ​​general assembly, the Dubaiote presented himself in front of the media, whose contingent was composed almost exclusively of reporters F1. Unsurprisingly, Ben Sulayem therefore had to answer questions surrounding the controversial finale to an otherwise exciting F1 season.

« My mandate started only two hours ago! he exclaimed with a smile, but his voice was hoarse after having spent the previous night mobilizing his support for the vote. Before that, I was just an observer. I can't give you an answer.

But very clearly we will have to review several things to make progress in the areas identified as areas for improvement, whatever they may be. Formula 1 remains the pinnacle of motorsport. We know that we have to be both reactive and proactive ».

At the end of the last World Motor Sport Council, the FIA ​​released an unprecedented press release in which the regulatory body announced the launch of a detailed analysis to understand how the final moments of the Abu Dhabi GP unfolded. It is on the basis of this study that Mercedes finally gave up on appealing to try to get redress after feeling like he was robbed on the very last lap of the 2021 race.

« We will have to start the next season on the right foot, added Ben Sulayem, who assures that he wants to work on F1 as much as is necessary. It is my responsibility to ensure that the page is turned but that the necessary lessons are learned to cope in the event of a repeat of the scenario. We must improve all aspects and do it constantly not just every 2-3 years ».

Very affected by the events of Yas Marina, which dedicated Max Verstappen (Red Bull) for the first time in his career, Toto wolff et Lewis Hamilton refused to participate in the traditional FIA awards gala which took place Thursday evening at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. In theory, this empty chair policy is contrary to article 6.6 of the F1 sporting regulations. Could the new President be magnanimous and draw a line under the affair?

« Communication is essential, replied Ben Sulayem. When I talk to riders, they know I'm a former rider. I listen to what they have to tell me. As a pilot, I understand that you can be really upset but time can help you heal. I am convinced that we will be able to get off to a good start. I don't have the slightest doubt.

At the end of the day, there will inevitably be someone disappointed. I spoke with Toto and he told me that he would not come to the gala in Paris. I didn't try to counter-argue, I just listened to him, and he started to calm down. The rules are the rules and we must respect them. We will study the matter and see if there was a violation. Now it costs nothing to show kindness to a great champion ". Not sure that this helps to get the pill over with Mercedes and Sir Lewis…