Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, is currently under investigation for an alleged attempt to interfere with an F1 race.

Formula 1

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, which governs motorsport, is facing an investigation regarding his alleged involvement in influencing the outcome of a Formula 1 race.

According to a whistleblower's report to the FIA's ethics committee, Ben Sulayem is accused of pressuring officials to reverse a penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The report indicates that Ben Sulayem allegedly contacted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA's vice-president for sport in the Middle East and North Africa, who was present at the race, and expressed his desire to overturn Alonso's penalty.

Alonso initially received a five-second penalty for positioning his car incorrectly on the starting grid. Later, during a pit stop, he was given an additional 10-second penalty for a rule violation by his team, which dropped him from third to fourth place.

The compliance officer's report suggests that Ben Sulayem urged officials to reconsider the penalty decision.

The FIA and Ben Sulayem have yet to comment on the allegations. The incident has raised concerns about impartiality and fairness within the FIA, adding to previous controversies during Ben Sulayem's tenure.

This latest controversy follows a pattern of issues, including a previous compliance inquiry involving Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and his wife Susie, which was retracted following pressure from stakeholders.

Critics have questioned Ben Sulayem's leadership, citing past incidents such as delaying an agreement to increase the number of sprint weekends and engaging in public disputes, including one regarding a purported attempt to purchase Formula 1.

Ben Sulayem has also faced criticism for past remarks deemed sexist, although he has defended his comments as taken out of context.



The FIA has seen several high-profile resignations in recent months, further highlighting internal tensions within the organization.