McLaren CEO Zak Brown admits he wants to see a “more unified” relationship between the FIA and Formula 1 amid growing tensions between the two in recent times.
Since succeeding Jean Todt as FIA President in December 2021, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has faced criticism from the incumbent teams over Andretti’s proposed F1 entry.
But the strained relationship came to a head last month when the FIA announced that it was investigating a potential conflict of interest involving Toto Wolff, Team Principal at the Mercedes F1 side, and wife Susie, who is the Managing Director of F1 Academy.
However, the case was dropped less than 48 hours later, with Mercedes’ rival F1 squads posting a collective statement denying that they had prompted the FIA’s sudden activity.
That episode resulted in Toto Wolff revealing that the couple is currently in legal talks with the FIA, adding recently that the governing body’s actions had “caused great damage”.
With Brown lobbying for an investigation into Red Bull’s ownership of two F1 teams, the American hopes the FIA and F1 can resolve the differences that have created a divide.
“As far as the FIA and Formula 1 [leadership is concerned], we just would like to see that relationship progress in a more unified way,” Brown said at McLaren’s 2024 livery launch.
“I think they both want to do what’s best for the sport, which is a great place to be centred.”
Brown also reiterated that McLaren had no participation in the short-lived probe, citing that the Woking-based outfit never flagged any concerns related to either of the Wolffs.
When asked if there had been any repercussions since the incident, Brown added: “We’ve not heard anything since.
“We had never, ever officially or unofficially – because I see some people have chosen their words carefully – we never spoke with anyone at all about the Toto/Susie situation.
“We’re a big supporter of the F1 Academy and we’re excited to be part of it. I’ve known Susie a long time, she’s very high integrity. So, we have no concerns.”
In an interview with Motorsport Magazin, Ben Sulayem insisted that friction between the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) was “healthy” for the series’ ongoing growth.
“We need to understand who I represent,” he said. “I represent the head of the house. We are not a service provider! I keep saying that and I believe it too. But like you said, friction is sometimes healthy to bring out the best.
“We want the best for the sport. I’ll tell you one thing, I’ll say it very humbly and clearly: you won’t wake up tomorrow and the FIA is no longer there. For others it is different.
“Liberty [Media, F1 owners] also has the right to sell the lease to another company. Tomorrow it could no longer be with them but with someone else. Then I have to get along with them.
“That is the difference between us. I respect them, they are here for profit. That’s why they bought it. Why else would they buy the lease? They are smart people and I support them.”
