“You condemned me”
FIA boss styles himself as a victim of the press
October 3, 2024, 12:41 p.m
The controversial president of the World Automobile Association is repeatedly criticized. Now Mohammed Ben Sulayem is launching a counterattack. He sees himself as a victim, namely of the British media.
The widely criticized President of the World Automobile Association, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, sees himself as a victim of the British media. “For heaven’s sake, they convicted me,” the former rally driver told the trade magazine “Autosport” in an interview. “They haven’t accused me, but they continue. And do I care? No. Why? Because what do they want? They want to sell and get more coverage for themselves.” But they have no power over him and the world association FIA.
In the interview, 62-year-old Ben Sulayem recorded a statement from star designer Adrian Newey, who accused the British media of unfairly treating Formula 1 world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. “I respect Max because I’m a racer. I was a champion and I respect winners and champions,” said Ben Sulayem. Verstappen was treated wrongly, “but let’s talk about me. If you look at the British media and what they did to me.”
Ben Sulayem succeeded Frenchman Jean Todt in 2021. The official from Dubai would like to be re-elected next year. He has repeatedly drawn criticism during his time in office. Because of his solo actions, the top rule enforcer has a disturbed relationship with the Formula 1 management, and he has also been accused of misogyny, for example.
Recently, the swearing in the TV broadcasts of Formula 1 became too much for him. “We are not rappers. How many times a minute do they say the F-word?” said Ben Sulayem and was in turn sharply criticized by record world champion Lewis Hamilton for his choice of words.
The alleged bias of the British media probably also has something good for the FIA boss: “They have made me stronger. I am now more careful and wiser.”