F1 in Turmoil: Mohammed Ben Sulayem Faces Backlash from Drivers and Internal Strife

The 2025 Formula 1 season has kicked off with chaos, and at the heart of it is FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. His leadership, already under scrutiny, has sparked outrage among drivers, fans, and insiders following a series of controversial decisions and tense interactions, most notably with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. As the sport grapples with governance issues, questions swirl about whether Ben Sulayem’s tenure is nearing its end.

The drama unfolded at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, where Verstappen, visibly frustrated, clashed with Ben Sulayem after receiving a five-second penalty for an opening-lap incident. Footage circulating online showed the Red Bull driver in a heated exchange with the FIA president, fueling speculation about Ben Sulayem’s attempts to control the narrative. Rumors suggested he warned Verstappen against criticizing the FIA, a claim the Dutchman denied but refused to elaborate on, citing fears of further penalties. His cryptic remark, “People can’t handle the truth,” only intensified the controversy, highlighting a growing rift between drivers and the governing body.

Lewis Hamilton, too, has had his share of run-ins with Ben Sulayem. At the Bahrain Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion noticeably snubbed the FIA president’s attempt at an embrace, a moment that went viral and underscored Hamilton’s long-standing disapproval of Ben Sulayem’s leadership. The Brit has previously called out the FIA for a lack of accountability, and his actions speak louder than words, reflecting a broader sentiment among drivers.

Ben Sulayem’s tenure has been marred by polarizing decisions, from cracking down on drivers’ swearing to enforcing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) within the FIA. His push to curb profanity, which led to Verstappen’s community service penalty in 2024, drew criticism from drivers like Hamilton, who argued it was an overreach. The FIA’s internal turmoil has only worsened the situation. Senior figures, including former vice president Robert Reid and Motorsport UK chairman David Richards, have either resigned or been barred from key meetings for refusing to sign NDAs. These departures signal deep instability, with Reid citing a misalignment with the FIA’s current standards, which he believes prioritize politics over competition.

The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), led by voices like George Russell, has been vocal in demanding transparency. Russell expressed frustration over the FIA’s opaque decision-making, emphasizing that drivers, who risk their lives on the track, deserve a say in the sport’s governance. His call for collaboration between the FIA, teams, and Formula 1 reflects a unified push for stability, but Ben Sulayem’s dismissive response—telling drivers to “mind their own business”—has only deepened the divide.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ben Sulayem’s comments on potential commercial deals, including a rejected Saudi offer to buy F1’s rights, have strained partnerships and alienated stakeholders. His leadership style, described by critics as authoritarian, has led to accusations of suppressing dissent within the FIA. With a crucial meeting on the horizon to discuss the presidency, the pressure is mounting. Insiders speculate that Ben Sulayem’s re-election bid may falter as discontent grows.

As Formula 1 navigates this turbulent chapter, the sport’s future hangs in the balance. Will Ben Sulayem weather the storm, or is a leadership change imminent? With drivers, fans, and insiders calling for reform, one thing is clear: the FIA’s governance crisis is far from over, and its resolution will shape the trajectory of F1 for years to come.