Calls for Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s Resignation Intensify Amid Controversies
Express Sport readers are urging Mohammed Ben Sulayem to step down from his role as FIA president amidst a series of controversies, according to recent polls.
The Emirati official, who assumed the position following Jean Todt’s tenure, has faced mounting scrutiny and criticism, with even seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton publicly expressing his lack of support.
Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been marred by a string of controversies over the past year, starting with his assumption of the FIA presidency after the contentious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.
Recent scrutiny peaked following an internal investigation prompted by BBC reports alleging his interference in the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the certification process for the Las Vegas circuit.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by the FIA’s ethics committee, doubts persist regarding Ben Sulayem’s ability to lead effectively. With the next presidential elections not scheduled until 2025, uncertainty looms over his future.
In a survey conducted by Express Sport, 68% of 3,878 respondents called for Ben Sulayem’s resignation, citing recent controversies and a lack of support from within the F1 community. Only 32% believed he should retain his position.
Lewis Hamilton, a vocal critic of Ben Sulayem, publicly expressed his lack of support for the FIA president, citing concerns over the handling of an investigation into Susie Wolff, director of the F1 Academy project. Wolff, who has Hamilton’s staunch backing, faced a contentious conflict of interest inquiry launched by Ben Sulayem’s team in 2023, prompting legal action.
Hamilton commended Wolff’s resilience in standing up against the inquiry, emphasizing the importance of her fight for change and gender equality within the sport.
“In a world where often people are silenced, for her to be standing up sends such a great message, and I love that she has taken it out of this world and is fighting it from the outside,” Hamilton proclaimed. “So hopefully, this stand she is taking now will create change and have a positive impact. And especially for women.”
As pressure mounts on Ben Sulayem to address concerns surrounding his leadership, the FIA finds itself embroiled in a tumultuous period, with calls for transparency and accountability reverberating throughout the paddock.
