FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has become embroiled in multiple controversies ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season; debate over the possible entry of new teams to the grid, along with speculation over the sale of the sport’s commercial rights, has created major tension.
As the start of the 2023 season approaches, Formula 1 has never been in such rude health, but the sport’s increasing success is also contributing to fractures at its very top.
F1 is no stranger to disputes and controversies, but the sport’s latest saga is not over the design of a front wing or the application of a racing law, but rather centres around Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The FIA, the world’s governing body for motorsport, represents many forms of racing, but F1 is very clearly the organisation’s showpiece championship.
Ben Sulayem, who was elected to the role in December 2021 and is a quarter of the way through a four-year term, has had a highly-eventful first 12 months in the position.
By all accounts, Ben Sulayem has handled the governance of the actual competition well, but his recent – and very public – involvement in the possible entry of new teams and the potential sale of the sport’s commercial rights, has caused a major stir.