The world of Formula 1 is in turmoil as drivers and teams express mounting frustration and anger toward FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem following a series of highly controversial decisions that have sparked intense backlash throughout the paddock. What began as murmurs of discontent has now erupted into full-blown chaos, threatening to damage the sport’s integrity and its relationship with key stakeholders.
Controversial Calls Spark Outrage
The tipping point came after the most recent Grand Prix, where the FIA made several contentious decisions involving track limits penalties, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and questionable race management choices. Drivers and team principals alike were left bewildered by what many describe as arbitrary rulings that significantly impacted race outcomes.
One of the most disputed incidents was the time penalty given to a front-running driver for allegedly exceeding track limits — a call that many analysts and fans claim lacked clear evidence. The situation was worsened by the FIA’s failure to penalize other drivers for similar infractions during the same race.
Drivers Speak Out
Several top drivers have broken their silence, voicing their disappointment and concern over the FIA’s leadership under Ben Sulayem. One veteran driver, speaking anonymously to protect their position, said:
“It feels like the rules are being applied differently from one weekend to the next. We’re all for fair racing, but this inconsistency is becoming unbearable. It’s damaging the trust between the FIA and the teams.”
Mercedes’ George Russell added his thoughts during a post-race interview:
“We want transparency and consistency. That’s all the drivers are asking for. When decisions come late or without explanation, it undermines everything we do out on the track.”
Team Principals Join the Backlash
It’s not just the drivers who are speaking up. Team principals from several F1 outfits have also openly criticized the FIA’s handling of recent races. McLaren CEO Zak Brown was particularly vocal:
“The FIA needs to take a hard look at how these decisions are being made. The teams invest millions into this sport, and the drivers put their lives on the line. What we need is clarity, not chaos.”
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur echoed those sentiments, adding that communication between the FIA and teams has deteriorated significantly under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
Long-Standing Tensions Resurfacing
This is not the first time Ben Sulayem has faced criticism since taking the reins at the FIA in 2021. From early controversies involving proposed rule changes to disagreements over driver conduct policies, his tenure has been marked by friction with teams and drivers alike.
The growing tension reached new heights in 2023 after several questionable stewarding decisions and a lack of accountability within the governing body. Although the FIA promised internal reforms, little progress appears to have been made — at least from the perspective of those within the sport.
A Call for Change
Now, there is increasing pressure on the FIA to review its processes and decision-making structures. Some insiders suggest that team representatives are preparing to demand a formal review of the FIA’s governance model, which could include calls for greater independence in stewarding and more transparency in how race regulations are enforced.
Fans, too, have taken to social media in droves, using hashtags like #FIAOut and #FixF1 to express their discontent. Petitions demanding reform have already begun circulating, amassing thousands of signatures in a matter of hours.
What Comes Next?
With emotions running high and credibility on the line, the FIA now faces a critical juncture. Will Ben Sulayem respond with meaningful change, or will the rift between the sport’s leadership and its participants grow even wider?
One thing is certain: if Formula 1 is to maintain its global reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport, restoring trust, transparency, and consistency will be paramount — and the clock is ticking.
