Allegations Against FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of Formula One’s governing body, has found himself embroiled in controversy once again as new whistleblower allegations surface. Accusations emerged on Tuesday suggesting that Ben Sulayem may have attempted to hinder the approval process for the prestigious Las Vegas Grand Prix held last year.

According to a 24hscore report seen by the BBC and submitted by the FIA’s compliance officer to an ethics committee, a whistleblower claimed that a manager acting on behalf of Ben Sulayem sought to delay circuit approval for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The whistleblower alleged that concerns were artificially identified to prevent the FIA from certifying the circuit before the race weekend.

However, a spokesperson for the FIA defended the approval process, stating that the Las Vegas circuit underwent inspection and certification in accordance with FIA protocol. The spokesperson attributed any delays in the inspection process to ongoing construction works by local organizers.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, held in November last year, was a significant event aimed at bolstering Formula One’s presence in the lucrative U.S. market. Despite the whistleblower’s claims, officials ultimately certified the circuit after finding no substantial concerns.

These allegations come in contrast to Ben Sulayem’s previous statements at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he claimed to have supported the approval of the circuit despite its readiness issues. Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of ensuring safety in the sport and expressed his commitment to upholding its integrity.

The recent accusations add to the scrutiny surrounding Ben Sulayem’s presidency, which has been marked by clashes with Formula One. Reports suggest that tensions between the two entities have escalated into a power struggle, with financial considerations playing a significant role.

In addition to the Las Vegas Grand Prix controversy, Ben Sulayem is also under investigation for allegedly interfering in the outcome of last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The FIA has confirmed that internal discussions are underway regarding this matter.

Furthermore, Ben Sulayem has faced criticism for his handling of commercial rights and his perceived interference in Formula One’s affairs. The conflict between the FIA and Formula One Management over various issues, including the addition of a new team and compliance inquiries, has further strained relations between the two entities.

As the allegations against Ben Sulayem continue to unfold, the integrity and governance of Formula One remain under scrutiny. The outcome of internal investigations and potential reforms within the FIA will likely shape the future trajectory of the sport.