A combative president
There is no doubt that since taking on the role of FIA president in December 2021, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has provided plenty of material for journalists with his actions and statements.
From conflicts with drivers over jewelry and later foul language, to accusations of authoritarianism, controversial comments, and even a showdown with the British press, the FIA president has certainly managed to draw attention to himself.
The joke
In a lengthy interview with *Le Figaro*, Mohammed Ben Sulayem dismissed a question about his F1 2025 championship prediction with a witty remark: “I won’t answer. To be honest, when I go to a Grand Prix, sometimes people ask me who is leading, but I have no idea. I go to ensure that the races take place in perfect safety and fairness.” – he pointed out.
The FIA World Council
When Mohammed Ben Sulayem took office, the FIA World Council was also elected. The president represents the United Arab Emirates, Vice President Reid is from the United Kingdom, and the seven vice presidents come from Bahrain, Spain, Costa Rica, Brazil, Singapore, Sweden, and Mozambique. The other members are from Saudi Arabia, Monaco, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Denmark, Barbados, Kenya, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and China.
Journalist Sylvain Reisser asked Mohammed Ben Sulayem why four of the major car-producing countries—Germany, France, Italy, and Japan—were not represented: “Good question, but it was an election. Democracy has spoken, and it must be respected. The fact that the countries you mentioned are not represented is a disadvantage.”
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