FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes the governing body has faced unwarranted criticism despite its efforts to tackle several significant challenges, including the management of track limits. According to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA has made substantial improvements in how motorsport is regulated, yet it has not been given the recognition or respect it deserves.
Since taking over as FIA President in December 2021, Ben Sulayem has overseen the introduction of a remote operations center in Geneva to aid in race control and the launch of initiatives to train stewards and race directors. In addition, the FIA recently created a new department aimed at recruiting and developing talent to serve as future race officials.
One notable accomplishment this year was the FIA’s introduction of an innovative track limit monitoring system at the Austrian Grand Prix, a venue often embroiled in controversy due to enforcement difficulties. Using Computer Vision technology, supported by the Geneva remote operations center, the system has significantly improved the identification of infractions. This technology has since been tested at other circuits, including Barcelona, and is adaptable for use in various racing series like MotoGP.
When asked by Motorsport.com if he feels the FIA has been properly credited for resolving the track limit issue, Ben Sulayem responded that despite the Federation’s hard work, it continues to be met with criticism, not praise.: “No, we will never get the credit. It’s impossible. We will only get trash. I know that,” he said in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com.
In his view, the FIA not only deserves more credit but also more financially for all the investments it has made in the sport. “If you look at the situation, everyone has made money from the FIA, everyone except the FIA. Everyone takes the credit, except the FIA.”
“It’s true. When I took over, we had an operational cost of minus 20 million. Why? Because we have our revenues like everyone else. But look at the promoters… And I’m happy for them, and I congratulate them, they’re smart enough to do it…”.
“But I will be very, very honest, as always. Liberty Media has done a great job of transforming Formula 1. If you told me that if I could go back in time, I would undo it? Absolutely not. I wouldn’t undo it, but I would make sure the FIA is twice on par with them.”
“I’m a good promoter, really. If you ask me today: is there anyone as capable as them? I see that there isn’t. I support what they’re doing. The FIA works with them in the best way possible. But then, the regulations and governance are the work of the FIA.” – Mohammed Ben Sulayem pointed out.
“And then, let everyone make money. Let the drivers have fun, race safely, and make money. And let the team principals make even more, and they are doing so. But the FIA will never get the credit. It’s impossible.” – he concluded.
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