FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said that the British media has “convicted” him throughout his tenure heading the sport’s governing body.
Ben Sulayem, who was appointed president in December 2021, commented on the perceived dynamic of Britain’s media and its alleged bias towards and against certain figures and drivers.
The remarks have followed a recent episode of the High-Performance podcast featuring Adrian Newey, in which the Aston Martin-bound designer guru spoke about the negative treatment he believed Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel suffered, claiming it was “very unfair.”
Ben Sulayem, citing his own experiences as a rally driver, agreed with Newey’s statement, also claiming that he too has been a victim of harshness from the UK.
“I respect Max because I’m a driver. I was a champion and I respect winners and champions,” he said in an exclusive interview with Autosport.
“I see he had his share [of mistreatment], but let’s talk about me. If you look at the British media and what they did to me… For God’s sake, they convicted me.
“They didn’t accuse me [of anything], but they keep on [going]. And do I care? No. Why? Because what are they after?
“They are after selling and getting more coverage for them[selves]. Of course, yes.
“But they have no power over me and over the FIA.
FIA an ‘independent, democratic federation’
Ben Sulayem went on to defend the FIA, claiming his own work has improved as a consequence of how he feels the media treat him and the governing body.
“With due respect to the British media or any other media, they don’t have a vote. We are an independent, democratic federation.
“It’s the world of membership that elected me. The power is with the General Assembly, not with them.
“And you know what? Can we just stop this nonsense and go back to business and do what is better for the sport? If you can? I’m asking. If they [the media] don’t want to do that, it’s up to them.
“But life goes on. You know what they did to me? They made me stronger. I’m more careful now and more wise.
“And I have the support [of the member clubs]. And if and when the members decide that it’s time to change me as president, it’s their call.
“At the end of the day, who put me there? It’s the General Assembly, it’s the members. I’m very, very clear with this. And if they don’t like it, it’s up to them.”
“But I don’t go back to anyone, I don’t answer very much of you [members of the media] and I don’t retaliate.
“Why? Because I don’t have the time. I’m so busy answering what the members want and what motorsport wants.”
