Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues his fight against the pilots: "Do we really want our sport to be dirty?"

The 2025 F1 season ended in Abu Dhabi, but the saga between the FIA ​​and the drivers continues. Formula 1 It continues. Tensions between the governing body and the pilots are frequent, and 2025 was no exception.

On the eve of his re-election as president of the FIA ​​in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mohammed Ben Sulayem reflects on his first four years in office. I didn't expect to encounter so many situations that are simply a matter of common sense.he confided in an interview with AFP. Before my arrival, the FIA ​​was not fully assuming its responsibilities. »

The International Automobile Federation has notably found itself at the heart of multiple conflicts with Formula 1 drivers. A scandal dating from 2022 particularly marked minds, following the reminder of the ban on wearing jewelry on the track. Lewis Hamilton had been particularly stubborn on this subject, known for carrying many things out of his car. That year, his former team, Classic Mercedes for saleHe had been fined 25,000 euros in Singapore for falsely claiming that the driver had removed his piercing. The Federation eventually acknowledged that the problem was unintentional. Pierre Gasly had also intervened in support of Hamilton, believing that other more important issues deserved the FIA's attention.

The seven-time world champion had finally obtained an exemption from wearing his piercing for several Grand Prix. However, Mohammed Ben Sulayem states that he "There will never be any love between the FIA ​​and the drivers." He adds : « On the other hand, there is fairness. When we say 'Don't wear jewelry'It's because we care about their lives. affirms the FIA ​​leader. "It's not my decision; this rule has been in place for a long time."

More recently, the FIA ​​has once again found itself at the center of criticism for its policy regarding profanity. Max Verstappen He was notably sanctioned during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix for uttering vulgarities in a press conference, receiving community service. "Regarding profanity, the rule dates back to 1975." Mohammed Ben Sulayem reminds us. Do we really want our sport to be dirty? Drivers are talented and intelligent; if they can control a car at 300 km/h, they can control their words… "In May 2025, however, the FIA ​​reduced the minimum amount of fines for this type of offence, from 10,000 to 5,000 euros.

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem soon to be re-elected as FIA president

The Dubai native, who succeeded Jean Todt as head of the FIA ​​in 2021, will be re-elected for a second four-year term on December 12, 2025. However, this election falls far short of classic democratic standards, as only one candidate was allowed to run. Nothing has changed. Ben Sulayem, however, defends him. The rules are there, I simply inherited them. »

According to the aforementioned rules, any candidate for the FIA ​​presidency must present a presidential list comprising a Senate president, a vice-president for motorsport and tourism, and a vice-president for sport, as well as seven regional vice-presidents for sport. These vice-presidents must be eligible for the World Motor Sport Council (WMC) and represent different regions, having been previously approved by the FIA. It should be noted, however, that these vice-presidents can only appear on one list. For South America, the sole FIA-approved candidate, Fabiana Ecclestone, was committed to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, effectively guaranteeing his re-election.

« Why didn't these candidates go to Latin America to defend their platform? You have to go and meet people, gain their trust so they support your candidacy. Ben Sulayem replied. This is democracy, for God's sake! »

Despite the controversies, Mohammed Ben Sulayem gives a positive assessment of his term. If I were asked what I would have done differently, I would answer 'Nothing'I wouldn't have gotten here without overcoming these challenges, these attacks… I was attacked day and night, but does it matter to me? I ignore everything and focus on what I promised to do. "His re-election already assured, the December 12th election is a mere formality. Now we just have to see what this second term holds in store for us."