Suspicions of interference – Mohammed Ben Sulayem cleared of all suspicion… by the FIA

All is well in the best of all possible worlds for the President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Jean Todt's replacement as head of the FIA ​​has been investigated over two complaints of alleged interference in the FIA ​​World Championship. Formula 1 in 2023. Investigation which led… to total whitewashing.

What was the FIA ​​President suspected of?

The former pilot of rally was suspected of two reprehensible acts. On the one hand, he would have interfered in the running of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Ben Sulayem was accused of having called Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, FIA vice-president in charge of motorsport in the Middle -East and North Africa and who was attending the 2023 Saudi GP in an official capacity, making it clear to him that he thought a penalty of Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) had to be cancelled.

ALSO READ > Ben Sulayem under investigation for 'alleged interference' during 2023 Saudi GP

At the time, the Spaniard received a first penalty of five seconds for having incorrectly positioned his car on the starting grid. This first penalty was served during his first pit stop, but the two-time champion was then given a second 10-second penalty after the finish as the stewards ruled that Aston Martin had touched the car when applying the first penalty, which is prohibited.

If he had crossed the finish line in 3rd position, the double world champion had finally fallen to 4th place with this second penalty. Finally, several hours later, the second penalty was canceled and the double world champion was able to be credited with the podium again.

Furthermore, Mohammed Ben Sulayem was targeted by another suspicion of interference concerning the approval of the Las Vegas circuit ahead of the eponymous Grand Prix in the fall of 2023. The President of the FIA would have tried to prevent the approval of the urban track against a backdrop of tensions with the local promoter.

The President defended himself in the columns of the English magazine GP Racing, using the health of the drivers and the discipline as a pretext. “The president of the FIA ​​is the one who signs the homologation for the new circuits. I could have refused (because the circuit was not ready in time for the inspection. Ed.). But as soon as my team said it was safe to ride there… because I'm a driver, I care about the well-being of the drivers and the people who support them, our staff and the marshals. I did it.

If I had refused (thehomologation), it would have been disastrous (for F1). But it would have been legal. But I'm careful because I love this sport. Ultimately, we are in this together. We may have different missions. But we are in the same boat. »

The full FIA verdict

“The FIA ​​Compliance Department, supported by external advisors, has conducted extensive investigations into allegations of potential interference in sporting decisions at Formula 1 events in 2023.

After reviewing the results of the investigations, the Ethics Committee unanimously decided that there was no evidence to support allegations of interference of any kind involving FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

A robust and wide-ranging independent review spanned 30 days and included the hearing of 11 witnesses. The allegations against the FIA ​​President were unfounded and strong evidence, beyond reasonable doubt, was presented to support the decision of the FIA ​​Ethics Committee. The FIA ​​President has been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding the interference allegations. »