Accusations against Ben Sulayem, the American federations defend him

From accused to accuser

The figure of the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayemcontinues to be at the center of political-sports debatedemonstrating the constant tensions that now exist between the federation and Formula 1. In recent weeks the number one in world motorsport was acquitted – following ainternal investigation of the FIA ​​conducted by the Ethics Committee – from the double accusation of having manipulated the outcome of the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP and of having tried not to have the Las Vegas track on which the Circus made its debut last November approved.

Now, predictably, the turn of the counterattack for those who support the 62-year-old Emirati president. In fact, the FIA ​​has published a letter sent by representatives of all the motorsport federations of the entire American continent – North, Central and South America – which express their closeness and support to Ben Sulayem, suggesting that he take those who defame him to court on specific charges “for no reason”. The president himself, after the acquittal of the Ethics Committee, had judged the accusations against him as “malicious attacks to weaken me and the FIA”.

The American continent in support of the president

The letter signed by the FIA ​​member clubs and the American sports federations is clear. Below is the full translated text:

“The FIA ​​Ethics Committee, composed of external and independent members, has unanimously issued a report declaring that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been acquitted of unfounded charges of interfering in Formula 1 events held in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas in 2023.
The Ethics Committee resolution confirms that the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, acted with honour, transparency and independence.
That the allegations of impropriety and unethical practices spread by some members of the print and digital media were for the sole purpose of harming the FIA ​​and its leadership, particularly the President.
That the selection of the President of the FIA ​​is enshrined in the FIA ​​Statute and is the exclusive responsibility of its voting members and is not influenced by anyone from outside the organization who attempts to intervene out of personal interest.
We will recommend that the FIA ​​take legal action against those who, without cause, defame the FIA ​​and its leadership.
We approve and ratify our vote of confidence in support of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for his management of the FIA ​​and for his progress in fulfilling his commitment to transform the FIA ​​in an ethical and transparent manner, in order to better serve its members“.

Words that certify the political support that Ben Sulayem still enjoys within the organization. The feeling is that the battle for power is only at the beginning and that tensions are destined to grow with thethe expiration of the Concordat Pact is approachingwhich will have to be renewed by the FIA, teams and F1 by the end of the 2025 season.