There was a meeting between Ferrari and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA. In the Imola round of F1, the former Emirati rally driver made sure to be present. The 63-year-old manager is aware that his re-election as head of the governing body largely depends on the support of the member organizations of the general assembly of the motorsport authority. A sort of election campaign in which he doesn’t intend to take any prisoners.
The tactical meeting for Imola
The president’s agenda during the Emilia Romagna weekend was packed with both official meetings and others held away from the spotlight. The FIA President and Paolo Valli, President of the San Marino Motorsport Federation (FAMS), along with Vice President Christian Montanari, met at the FIA hospitality suite inside the circuit on the eve of the race.
The governing body confirmed its support for the federal programs in which FAMS participates. One of the issues discussed during the meeting was the unfortunate future of Imola in the upcoming 2026 racing season. As it stands, unless there are major twists, the Italian circuit will no longer be part of the Formula 1 calendar next year. For this reason, several avenues are being explored.
One possibility raised even by the mayor of Imola is to secure the return of the Imola venue to top-tier motorsport under the name of the San Marino Grand Prix, as it was until the 2006 season. All parties agreed that this option must be discussed with the key player — Liberty Media, as the promoter of the Formula 1 World Championship.
Possible topics discussed during the visit
Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s Italian stay continued for a few days. The FIA’s top executive went to Maranello, to the factory of the historic Modena-based team. Neither Ferrari nor the International Federation disclosed the reasons for the visit. This secrecy gives rise to various speculations. The occasion may have been appropriate for outlining the programs the former rally driver intends to pursue if he secures a second term.
It is worth noting that the current Concorde Agreement, signed by all stakeholders on March 16, is set to expire at the end of 2026. One of the most pressing issues concerns the governance of the sport, contested between Liberty Media, as F1’s promoter, and the FIA, as guardian of motorsport values. The Italian team is clearly interested in protecting the financial benefits it receives as a historic team.
Another sensitive issue concerns the FIA’s strategic technological plan. In recent months, the often-discussed Emirati executive has repeatedly hinted at a potential return to naturally aspirated engines, powered in this case by eco-friendly fuels, while retaining a scaled-back hybrid component.
An opportunity to make up for the absence in Bahrain?
In some ways, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s visit to Ferrari may have also covered another interesting topic. This refers to the opportunity for Ferrari’s top management to engage with the FIA boss, in contrast to the meeting held in Bahrain where, unlike other teams, Ferrari was represented solely by Frederic Vasseur.
Although Mohammed Ben Sulayem was seen on Via Abetone Inferiore 4, our editorial staff has no confirmation of the physical presence in Maranello of Benedetto Vigna or John Elkann. However, this does not mean that either or both of these figures were not on-site for this secret meeting held yesterday. Ben has every interest in hearing Ferrari’s position which, while underwhelming on track, remains the driving force of F1.
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