Last December, a new election for the FIA presidency was held, resulting in the re-election of Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his second term. During his first tenure (2022-2025), the president faced perhaps one of the most complex episodes in recent years: the aftermath of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
As often happens, some did not appreciate the decisions made regarding race direction during that period. The appointment of two alternating race directors frequently caused some confusion between 2022 and 2023. However, over time, the situation returned to normal, and today Mohammed Ben Sulayem enjoys considerable respect among FIA representatives both inside and outside the paddock.
Ben Sulayem’s second term couldn’t have started better, says Zak Brown: “Sport has never been healthier”
This is confirmed by two highly influential figures. The first is McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who, according to GPBlog.com, extended his congratulations to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, saying: “The greatest achievement the president has accomplished so far is successfully completing the Concorde Agreement for 2026 in a discreet, fair, and balanced manner, especially by keeping a distance from the media. I believe the sport has never been healthier, and I am very pleased. There is great focus on what is right for the sport, and in this, Stefano Domenicali (F1 CEO via Liberty Media) is also making a strong contribution.”
Alongside him, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone also expressed his support for Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The Brit not only congratulated him but also showed his approval by encouraging the FIA president to continue the work done during his first term: “We are talking about a straightforward and completely honest person. He doesn’t think of himself, but of the people he represents. He has done first-class work, and if he continues to do things as he has so far, it would not only be good, it would be excellent,” he concluded, according to GPBlog.com.
Leave a Reply