BREAKING: FIA President Ben Sulayem blasts British media

Ben Sulayem Takes Aim at British Media and Criticizes British Grand Prix Sponsorship

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is no stranger to controversy, and his latest remarks are sure to cause a stir, particularly with the British press. Known for his outspoken nature, Ben Sulayem has once again voiced his displeasure with the media, this time accusing them of being unfair in their coverage. In addition, he made a surprising comment about the Formula 1 British Grand Prix that is bound to draw attention.

Speaking at the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, Ben Sulayem expressed frustration over the media’s treatment of his leadership, which he feels has been overly critical. “Three years of critics against me. Do I care? Was I elected to listen to the media? No,” he said, in a tone of defiance. He went on to clarify that while he accepts constructive criticism, he prefers media coverage that is positive and objective. “I like the good media, the positive media, and maybe I make a mistake, and you can come and criticize me in an objective way.”

Media Scrutiny and Ben Sulayem’s Frustration

Though Ben Sulayem did not specify the exact incident that triggered his latest outburst, it is clear that he feels under fire from certain British media outlets. He singled out these publications, claiming they have been especially harsh in their coverage of his tenure. “Unfair. But the world is unfair. Saudi Arabia has reinvested a lot,” he said, before pointing to what he perceives as bias from the British press. “You look at some of the British media, and they go against Saudi Arabia or me.”

Ben Sulayem’s tension with the press has been well-documented throughout his presidency, with several high-profile incidents dominating the headlines. His time at the helm of the FIA has been marked by internal staffing challenges, clashes with drivers, and disagreements with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). The scrutiny has been intense, with journalists closely monitoring his every move, often framing his leadership as tumultuous and controversial.

British Grand Prix Sponsorship in the Crosshairs

However, the FIA president didn’t stop at criticizing the media. In an unexpected twist, he also took aim at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, particularly its title sponsorship by Qatar Airways. “One thing I would say, go on and see the British Grand Prix. Is it the British Grand Prix? No, it is the Qatar Airways British Grand Prix. Please, you remove the budget, you remove the money,” Ben Sulayem commented.

His remarks have raised eyebrows, with many questioning what exactly he meant by singling out the race’s sponsor. It seems he may be implying that without the financial backing of Qatar Airways, the iconic Silverstone event would not be able to continue. However, there is also speculation that this could be a broader critique of the growing influence of nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia in motorsport, with the FIA president perhaps defending Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement by highlighting how other countries also provide significant financial support to major events.

Whatever the intention behind Ben Sulayem’s statement, it has certainly sparked debate and added another layer of complexity to his already controversial presidency. With the British Grand Prix being one of the most historic and prestigious events on the F1 calendar, any comments about its future are sure to attract attention.

An Election Year Looming for Ben Sulayem

Ben Sulayem’s comments come at a crucial time for him, as he faces re-election for the FIA presidency. Despite running unopposed, his tenure has been anything but smooth, with public disputes and a strained relationship with Formula 1 drivers making headlines.

Last year, tensions between Ben Sulayem and the GPDA reached a boiling point ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. The drivers’ association issued a rare public statement in November, calling on the FIA president to reconsider his approach to dealing with them. “We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise,” the GPDA wrote. The organization took particular issue with what it viewed as unnecessary public instructions from Ben Sulayem regarding trivial matters such as the wearing of jewelry and undergarments during races.

This wasn’t the first time Ben Sulayem found himself at odds with the drivers. He had previously rebuked them for using “poor language,” only for the tables to turn when reigning world champion Max Verstappen swore during an official press conference. Verstappen was later penalized, which led to further criticism of the FIA’s handling of the situation.

A Divisive Presidency

Since assuming the FIA presidency, Ben Sulayem has implemented reforms and overseen numerous changes within the organization, but his leadership has been marred by frequent disputes and controversies. His relationship with the press has remained rocky, and he has often been at odds with those who criticize his decisions or question his methods.

As Ben Sulayem navigates his re-election campaign, it is clear that his presidency has been anything but ordinary. His latest comments on the British media and the Grand Prix sponsorship underscore the growing divide between his vision for the sport and the scrutiny from those watching his every move. Whether his outspoken nature will ultimately help or hinder his leadership remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ben Sulayem is not one to shy away from making bold and provocative statements.