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The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has faced significant criticism over the past few weeks. Following a controversial comparison between foul-mouthed drivers and ‘rappers’, along with the community service sentence given to Max Verstappen, many experts have begun to question the priorities of the Arab leader. Former team principal Günther Steiner has also voiced his discontent regarding the ‘disorganized’ manner in which Ben Sulayem has been managing the FIA.
Chaos at the FIA
In his recent book, Unfiltered, Günther Steiner expressed concerns, stating, “His time in leadership has been chaotic at best and he has managed to upset nearly every team and its principal.” He elaborated on this perspective in a podcast interview with Sky Sports, explaining, “As a person, I find Mohammed a likable guy; I have always thought so. He possesses a charming personality, but as president, I believe he sometimes over-involves himself in the intricacies of the sport.”
Focusing on the Wrong Issues
Steiner, along with numerous others, has pondered why the FIA’s president is so intent on minor details, such as driver insults during races. “This focus isn’t beneficial for him,” Steiner added. “The FIA should employ people who can manage these day-to-day issues. When the president himself gets entangled in trivial matters, it leads to wasted time that could be better spent on more pressing concerns.”
No Recognition for the FIA
In a recent defense of himself, Ben Sulayem pointed out that the FIA seems unable to do anything right in the eyes of fans. He emphasized that the organization has significantly invested in Formula 1 in recent years yet has never received the acknowledgment it deserves. “We allow drivers to enjoy racing, compete safely, and earn money,” he stated in an interview with Autosport. “But for this, we will never receive any recognition. All we ever get is criticism.”
A Call for Reorganization
As the voices of discontent grow within the motorsport community, many believe that the FIA might need a thorough reevaluation of its approach. The balance between governance and operational management appears to be skewed, with critics urging for a more strategic focus rather than getting bogged down in minute and often trivial matters. With key figures like Steiner calling for more robust management practices, it is clear that the future of the FIA under Ben Sulayem could hinge on his ability to listen and adapt to the needs of the motorsport world.
The current discourse surrounding leadership priorities within the FIA raises important questions about the effectiveness of governance in one of the most high-profile sports. In a world where perception is everything, fostering a positive and proactive image might be the key to building a better relationship with fans and stakeholders alike.
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