FIA in Turmoil: Accusations of Dictatorship Shake President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s Leadership
The FIA, the governing body of Formula One, finds itself embroiled in controversy as accusations of authoritarianism mount against its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. A series of high-profile resignations and firings have thrown the organization into a state of disarray, raising serious questions about Ben Sulayem’s leadership style and decision-making.
The latest departure to rock the FIA is that of compliance chief Paolo Bizzarri. Reports suggest Bizzarri was dismissed after Ben Sulayem reportedly lost confidence in him, despite Bizzarri’s role being designed to function independently from presidential influence. This abrupt firing has sparked widespread speculation, as Bizzarri was responsible for upholding the FIA’s 72-page code of ethics. Earlier this year, his independence was fortified when his reporting structure was shifted to the FIA Senate, safeguarding his ability to raise concerns without interference.
Bizzarri’s dismissal is particularly notable given his prior report alleging direct interference by Ben Sulayem in key races during the 2023 Formula One season. One of the most striking allegations involved the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Ben Sulayem reportedly pressured FIA officials to revoke a penalty against Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Similarly, the report claimed that Ben Sulayem sought to obstruct the certification of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, further straining relations between the FIA and Formula One’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media. Although Ben Sulayem was cleared of wrongdoing in these incidents, the controversies added fuel to the fire of discontent brewing within the organization.
Bizzarri’s firing is just the tip of the iceberg. The FIA has witnessed an alarming exodus of key personnel during Ben Sulayem’s tenure. From the resignation of former CEO Natalie Robyn to the recent dismissal of race director Neil Wittich, the turnover has exposed cracks in the governing body’s stability. Public denials of voluntary resignations, like Wittich’s, only deepen concerns about transparency and governance under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
Further compounding the turbulence are reports of Ben Sulayem’s strained relationships with drivers and teams. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) recently criticized his perceived authoritarian approach, citing trivial mandates such as restrictions on jewelry, underwear, and even swearing, which drivers viewed as a distraction from more pressing issues like safety and race fairness. Additionally, Ben Sulayem’s controversial sporting code amendment—requiring FIA approval for political, religious, or personal statements—has been interpreted by many as an attempt to suppress driver expression on significant social causes.
Ben Sulayem’s tenure has also been marred by external controversies. His comments dismissing Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion bid for Formula One as “massively inflated” drew legal warnings from Liberty Media. Meanwhile, resurfaced sexist remarks from his personal website further damaged his credibility, as critics accused him of perpetuating outdated and discriminatory views.
Despite mounting criticism, Ben Sulayem has shown no intention of stepping aside, even after pledging to adopt a non-executive role within the FIA. His continued influence has raised questions about his commitment to this promise, with many in the Formula One paddock expressing disillusionment. An anonymous team principal encapsulated the sentiment, stating bluntly, “Everyone thinks he’s got to go.”
The controversy surrounding Ben Sulayem’s leadership reached new heights with allegations that he bypassed established FIA protocols to dismiss Bizzarri. This perceived overreach has drawn attention to the blurred lines between governance and personal influence within the organization. As the FIA grapples with these issues, it faces a critical juncture: either address internal unrest and restore stability or risk losing the confidence of teams, drivers, and stakeholders.
The unfolding crisis under Ben Sulayem’s presidency has left many questioning whether his leadership is sustainable. While the FIA remains a cornerstone of global motorsport, its ability to maintain its integrity and uphold its ethical standards is under intense scrutiny. As the organization continues to navigate this turbulent period, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on its embattled president and his contentious approach to leadership.
